AGP Executive Report

Georgia Senate Runoff: President Trump made a last-minute endorsement of Rep. Mike Collins over Derek Dooley in Georgia’s GOP Senate runoff, teeing up a November matchup with Sen. Jon Ossoff. Campaign Power: The move comes after Gov. Brian Kemp backed Dooley, setting up a high-stakes clash inside the Georgia GOP with Trump trying to lock in his preferred nominee. World Affairs: Trump also weighed in on the Middle East after a U.S. helicopter was downed near the Strait of Hormuz, while Israel-Iran tensions threaten a fragile ceasefire path. Immigration & Rights: Deutsche Welle reports the U.S. deported migrants—including a Georgia citizen—to the Central African Republic under a controversial agreement, drawing rights concerns. Weather Watch: Nearly 80 million people from northern Georgia to Maine were on alert for severe storms with damaging winds, hail, and possible tornadoes. Energy Politics: A RealClearEnergy piece argues utility commission races are becoming a major battleground for the electric grid’s future, including in Georgia.

Georgia Senate Runoff: President Trump endorsed MAGA-aligned Rep. Mike Collins over Derek Dooley in Georgia’s GOP Senate runoff, setting up a direct contrast with Dooley backed by Gov. Brian Kemp. Local Public Safety: Rockdale County identified firefighter Juan Antonia Smith II, 26, killed in a rollover crash while responding to a fire. Election Access: A judge blocked a ban on giving food and drinks to Georgia voters, a reminder that runoff rules are still being fought in court. World Cup in Atlanta: Thousands packed Centennial Olympic Park for matches, with crowd surges triggering restricted access and heat-safety logistics for fans. Federal Enforcement: The FBI and FAA action against drone pilots near World Cup venues continues, including citations and seized drones around stadium airspace rules. Georgia Sports: Georgia won the NCAA DI women’s outdoor track and field title, defending its championship. National Politics/Legal: A federal judge appointed by Barack Obama faces impeachment calls after a misconduct probe found alleged sexual activity in chambers with an Atlanta police deputy chief. Health/Consumer: The FDA issued a Class I recall for Alfredo sauce tied to potential salmonella contamination.

Iran Deal / Strait of Hormuz: Trump says a U.S.-Iran agreement is set to be signed Sunday and claims the Strait of Hormuz will reopen “to all,” as mediators say a war-ending deal is close—though Iran signals no signing Sunday. Georgia Politics / Courts & Elections: The FBI searched the Cleveland office of an Ohio voter-registration group tied to alleged voter fraud, adding to the broader national pressure on election operations ahead of hotly contested races. Immigration Enforcement: The U.S. deported migrants—including an Iranian pro-democracy activist and others from Georgia—under a deal sending people to the Central African Republic, raising rights concerns over detention and conditions. Public Safety (Georgia): Rockdale County identified a firefighter killed in an on-duty rollover crash. National Security / Gangs: Trump and Venezuelan officials say a joint strike killed Tren de Aragua leader “Niño Guerrero.” White House / Culture: Workers began removing Trump’s name from the Kennedy Center after a court-ordered deadline.

Georgia Politics & Courts: A judge-ordered deadline to remove President Trump’s name from the Kennedy Center facade dragged into Saturday morning, with workers finally covering and taking down the lettering after a brief extension. Georgia Elections: Trump is leaning hard into the June 16 Georgia GOP runoff, using tele-rallies to back Burt Jones and other candidates as the race tightens. Foreign Policy With Georgia Ties: Trump claimed the U.S. “ended” the Iran war after a helicopter incident, while Iran denied final agreement details; separate reporting says the U.S. and Iran have agreed on deal wording, with next steps unclear. Public Safety: Rockdale County mourns Firefighter Juan Antonia Smith, killed in a rollover crash involving a firetruck. World Cup in Georgia: Atlanta’s FIFA Fan Fest is drawing crowds as the U.S. opened World Cup play with a 4-1 win over Paraguay, turning the tournament into a major local draw. Labor & Immigration: A USPS-focused APWU webinar criticized post office closure plans and urged workers to fight in appeals to Congress rather than privatization.

Voting Rights Fight: A federal judge kept Georgia’s ban on giving food and drinks to voters in line at polling places in effect, rejecting a bid to block enforcement and saying the plaintiffs didn’t show state officials could control prosecutions. Judicial Politics: Gov. Brian Kemp appointed Fulton Superior Court Judge Paige Reese Whitaker to the Georgia Court of Appeals after she lost her reelection bid—raising questions about whether the move could effectively undo the voters’ result. State Courts & Accountability: A Georgia judge’s NCAA gambling case spotlighted how uneven enforcement can leave athletes facing different consequences, with a temporary injunction allowing Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby to play while his case proceeds. Public Health & Safety: Azuma Foods recalled Tako Wasabi seasoned octopus sold in multiple states, including Georgia, due to undeclared fish allergens. Metro Atlanta Transit: GOP Party chair Josh McKoon pushed back on claims about MARTA funding and governance, arguing the agency is locally funded and run by a board appointed by local governments. Business in Georgia: Chase Bank confirmed plans to open its first Central Georgia branch in Bonaire (Houston County) this fall.

Georgia Politics & Runoffs: President Trump used campaign-style tele-rallies to back Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in Georgia’s governor runoff, saying the U.S. has “ended the war with Iran” and pushing themes like immigration, election security, and crime. Federal Courts & Death Penalty: The U.S. Supreme Court blocked Alabama’s nitrogen gas execution of Jeffery Lee for now, sending the state back to the regular appeals process. World Cup in Atlanta: Atlanta kicked off FIFA World Cup festivities with a free Fan Festival opening ceremony at Centennial Olympic Park, with Mayor Andre Dickens and Gov. Brian Kemp urging locals to get involved. Local Land-Use Fight: A proposed data center near Irvington moved forward after a four-hour hearing, with neighbors raising concerns about noise, pollution, power, and water use. Regional Weather: Severe storms and tornadoes struck communities outside Chicago, knocking out power and disrupting travel. Sports (Atlanta): The New York Liberty beat the Atlanta Dream 104-90, with Angel Reese leading Atlanta with 25 points.

Georgia Runoff Watch: Lt. Gov. Burt Jones is trailing billionaire Rick Jackson in Georgia’s GOP governor runoff after a primary split (Jones 32%, Jackson 38%), with Jones pitching his Kemp-aligned philosophy in Pooler as the campaign heads into Tuesday’s vote. Georgia Politics & Policy: Georgia is also moving to expand “Trump Accounts” to eligible foster children, with automatic enrollment for kids born 2025-2028 and state DHS/DFCS coordinating with federal officials. National Security & Intelligence: Democrats and some Republicans are sounding alarms over President Trump’s pick of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, arguing the housing regulator lacks intelligence experience. Congress & Surveillance: The House refused to extend FISA Section 702, setting up a lapse as the clock runs out. World Cup in Atlanta: Fulton County DA Fani Willis warns scammers are targeting World Cup visitors with fake ticket offers and “stranded tourist” currency traps. Health Care Access: A new study finds only about 22% of stroke/brain injury patients get inpatient rehab after hospitalization, with Georgia among the states reviewed.

Georgia Runoff Politics: Two Georgia Republicans, Reps. Clay Fuller and Andrew Clyde, have introduced impeachment resolutions targeting U.S. District Judge Eleanor Ross after a misconduct probe found ethics violations tied to an alleged relationship and untruthfulness. Voting Rights Fight: The Trump DOJ is pressing a lawsuit over Georgia’s unredacted voter registration list and arguing the NVRA’s 90-day “quiet period” won’t stop individualized purges right before elections; meanwhile, Republicans are also trying to use the Supreme Court’s Louisiana v. Callais ruling to raise the bar for challenging discriminatory voting rules. State GOP & Elections: Georgia’s early voting for the June 16 runoffs continues, with Bulloch County reporting thousands of early and absentee ballots already cast. Gov. Kemp & Jobs: Kemp announced $26M for local transportation projects and a $22M Rideout Arsenal investment in Thomasville creating 120 jobs. Public Safety: A teen was hospitalized after a shooting near Washington Park in northwest Atlanta, and Colt Gray’s Apalachee High School trial was moved out of Barrow County due to extensive media coverage. World Cup in Atlanta: Centennial Olympic Park is being transformed for FIFA Fan Festival Atlanta, with free general admission and a 47-foot jumbo screen.

Federal Judge Impeachment Fight: U.S. Reps. Andrew Clyde and Buddy Carter filed impeachment articles against Northern District of Georgia Judge Eleanor Ross after a judicial misconduct probe found she had an extramarital relationship with a high-ranking Atlanta police officer and lied during the investigation, with Clyde arguing Congress must act to protect judicial integrity. Georgia Politics—Runoff Pressure: AJC reports the GOP Senate runoff is set for June 16, with Mike Collins and Derek Dooley advancing to face Sen. Jon Ossoff, framing the contest as a MAGA-vs.-“newcomer” contrast. State Budget Watch: Georgia’s net tax revenue fell 12.6% in May to $2.35B, with the motor fuel tax suspension weighing on collections. Gov. Kemp Jobs Push: Kemp announced Rideout Arsenal will invest $22M in Thomas County and create 120 jobs. Public Safety: Atlanta police say a 17-year-old was shot in northwest Atlanta near Ollie Street and Marie Avenue. World Cup in Georgia: Metro Atlanta is gearing up for FIFA World Cup 2026 with watch parties and security planning as matches begin across U.S. host cities.

Georgia Runoff Voting: More than 100,000 Georgians have already cast ballots in the June 16 runoff, with early voting underway statewide and officials reporting short waits. GOP Governor Race: Georgia’s Republican gubernatorial runoff is tightening after new polling shows businessman Rick Jackson surging past Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, even as Jones entered as Trump-endorsed front-runner. Abortion Scrutiny: Rick Jackson also faces renewed scrutiny over leaked audio about Georgia’s abortion law and enforcement against doctors, tied to national attention on delayed-care cases. Judicial Accountability: Two Georgia Republicans filed impeachment resolutions against federal Judge Eleanor Ross in Atlanta over alleged misconduct in chambers and alleged lies to investigators. Local Government: Athens-Clarke County commissioners approved a downtown site for a new $225 million judicial center, selecting 120 W. Dougherty St. and backing a tentative six-story plan funded through bonds. Federal/Foreign Policy: The U.S. launched airstrikes on Iran after a helicopter crash blamed on Tehran, with Iran retaliating across the region—raising fresh concerns about the Strait of Hormuz and global energy markets.

Federal/Foreign Policy: Trump says the U.S. “must” respond after Iran downed a U.S. Army helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz, with two aviators rescued and the ceasefire still under strain. College Leadership: USG named new campus presidents—Russell Crutchfield at Gordon State (Aug. 1), Greg Tanner at South Georgia State, and Kerry J. Palmer at Georgia Southwestern—shifting top leadership across the state university system. Elections/Runoffs: Early voting for Georgia’s June 16 primary runoffs runs through Friday, with key statewide contests including the governor GOP runoff and Senate runoff. Courts/Politics: A new report says Georgia’s court vacancies are stretching into months with no judges appointed, adding pressure to the state’s judicial pipeline. World Cup in Atlanta: Organizers are laying out free ways to join the World Cup experience in Atlanta—Centennial Olympic Park’s Fan Festival and Beltline watch parties for fans without tickets. Sports/College Football: A Texas judge cleared Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby to play despite NCAA gambling ineligibility, setting up a major legal fight over NCAA rules.

NBA Finals: Victor Wembanyama poured in 32 points as the Spurs beat the Knicks 115-111 in Game 3, snapping New York’s 13-game streak and cutting the series lead to 2-1 with Game 4 set for Wednesday at MSG. Falcons/Health: Atlanta coach Kevin Stefanski says QB Michael Penix Jr. is hitting rehab milestones after his ACL tear and is progressing toward more full-contact work. College Sports/Gambling: A Texas judge cleared Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby to play this fall despite an NCAA gambling ineligibility ruling, setting up a likely appeal and raising fresh questions about NCAA enforcement. Georgia Budget Watch: Georgia’s fuel tax suspension helped drivers, but it also cut May motor fuel tax collections by about $199.6 million versus last year, with lawmakers weighing next steps. Runoff Election Info: Early voting is underway for Georgia’s June 16 primary runoffs, with voters reminded to cast the same party ballot they chose in May. Higher Ed Leadership: The University System of Georgia named new campus presidents, including Greg Tanner, Russell Crutchfield, and Kerry J. Palmer, effective this fall.

Georgia Runoff Voting: Early voting is open for the June 16 primary runoffs, with vote-by-mail allowed; the state’s My Voter Page can tell Georgians where to vote in person. MARTA Under Federal Scrutiny: After a federal probe into MARTA’s safety and security following recent stabbings, a man was shot aboard a train in what police called a random attack, raising fresh concerns with the World Cup about to ramp up transit demand. State Budget Watch: Georgia net tax collections fell 12.6% in May to $2.35B, with the motor fuel tax suspension and Hurricane Helene filing shifts complicating comparisons. NIL & College Sports: An arbitrator let two Georgia athletes receive NIL deals after the College Sports Commission re-reviewed them under an updated compensation model. Agriculture Regulation: Georgia’s Animal Feed Program received FDA confirmation that it fully meets federal regulatory standards. Business & Jobs: ArcelorMittal Building Solutions is investing in a Macon-Bibb County manufacturing hub, aiming to create up to 70 jobs. Sports: The Atlanta Hawks extended coach Quin Snyder on a multi-year deal, while the World Cup heat study warns Atlanta-area workers could face dangerous conditions during outdoor shifts.

MARTA Under Federal Scrutiny: After back-to-back stabbings, the Trump administration has launched an investigation into Atlanta’s transit system, focusing on safety and security spending. Data Center Backlash Hits Georgia: A Marietta fight over a massive AI data center—approved by city council in 2025—has reignited local concerns about power demand, water impacts, and displacement. Redistricting Escalates in Georgia: Georgia Republicans are set for a June 17 special session aimed at redrawing districts for 2028, with potential spillover to more local races. Kemp Political Pressure: Democrats are pressing for investigations into Kemp administration decisions and contracts, while GOP rivals continue positioning for the next cycle. US Politics, National Stakes: The Senate let FISA Section 702 lapse after a procedural block, and lawmakers are also watching Trump’s acting DNI pick, Bill Pulte. Campaign Focus: Keisha Lance Bottoms is targeting Black male voters in 2026, arguing Democrats should address issues instead of blaming turnout.

MARTA Under Federal Scrutiny: The Federal Transit Administration opened an investigation into MARTA’s spending and safety protocols after recent stabbings, with MARTA given 15 days to respond as early voting ramps up in Cobb, Fulton, DeKalb and Gwinnett ahead of Georgia’s June 16 runoffs. Georgia Gas Tax Fallout: Georgia’s gas tax suspension cost the state nearly $196.6 million in May net revenue, and the suspension ended Wednesday as prices rose about 33 cents per gallon; Kemp says there’s no plan to extend it. Redistricting Fight Goes Local: A national redistricting battle is poised to spread further, and Georgia’s Republican-led Legislature is set to convene June 17 for a special session that could redraw not just congressional seats but also state House and Senate districts. State Audit Red Flags: A watchdog report says Georgia failed to verify billions in federally-funded program spending, with auditors unable to issue an opinion due to missing support. Atlanta Dream Dominates: Angel Reese and Rhyne Howard powered the Dream to a 109-77 win over the Mystics, while Washington coach Sydney Johnson was ejected and escorted off the court by police after a heated exchange.

WNBA in Atlanta: The Atlanta Dream rolled past the Washington Mystics 109-77, with Angel Reese posting 18 points and 17 rebounds and Rhyne Howard adding 19 points and six steals. On-court chaos: Mystics coach Sydney Johnson was ejected after arguing with officials and was escorted off the court by police following two quick technical fouls. Next up: Washington hosts Indiana after the blowout. Politics & power shift: A national redistricting fight is poised to spread into Georgia’s state and local politics, with Georgia Republicans preparing a special session tied to 2028 district redraws. Swing-voter pressure point: A pollster says concerns about AI data centers are “flying under the radar” in Washington but showing up repeatedly in Georgia focus groups, especially over water and displacement. Local governance headache: Georgia homeowners in a Riverdale townhome community say a broken trash compactor system has left overflowing garbage for more than a decade, turning the neighborhood into a health hazard.