Politics Archives - The Truth Seekers Journal

Donald Trump Issues Three Demands to Change America’s Elections

President Donald Trump calls for mandatory voter ID, proof of citizenship, and limits on mail voting, escalating debate over federal authority, election integrity, and constitutional limits.

By Sam Stevenson | Washington, DC | February 6, 2026

Key takeaways

Voting Rules: Trump demands mandatory voter ID, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a near-total ban on mail-in ballots, except for illness, disability, military service, or travel.
Federal Oversight: He suggests nationalizing key election rules to standardize voting across states, aiming to prevent inconsistent or vulnerable practices.
Political Impact: The plan intensifies Trump’s long-running campaign to question U.S. election integrity, sparking debate over state control vs. presidential influence.

President Donald Trump is seeking to redefine the rules of American voting, unveiling a trio of requirements he says are necessary to restore public confidence in U.S. elections.

In a new Truth Social post, Trump declared that America’s elections are “rigged, stolen, and a laughingstock,” and urged Republicans to unite behind what he calls the Save America Act—a plan that would dramatically tighten access to the ballot box.

Why It Matters

Trump’s proposals align with his broader push to shift election authority toward federal standards despite constitutional limits and recent court rulings curbing such efforts.

What To Know

In the Truth Social post, Trump listed three demands:

Mandatory voter ID for every voter.
Proof of U.S. citizenship to register.
A near‑total prohibition on mail‑in ballots, limited only to cases of illness, disability, military service, or travel.

Taken together, the package would represent one of the most sweeping overhauls of federal election administration in modern history.

It also marks the latest escalation in Trump’s long-running campaign to cast doubt on U.S. election integrity—an effort that has shaped both Republican politics and congressional debates since his first term.

Trump’s demands come as he increasingly calls for greater federal authority over how states conduct their elections.

In a recent interview on The Dan Bongino Show, he floated the idea of nationalizing key election rules, arguing that standardized federal oversight would prevent what he sees as inconsistent or vulnerable state practices.

The proposal triggered immediate pushback from critics, who warned it would undercut state control and inject unprecedented presidential influence into the electoral system.

Trump previously signed an executive order directing federal agencies and the Election Assistance Commission to require documentary proof of citizenship for the federal voter registration form and to enforce election day ballot receipt deadlines— moves now facing multiple legal setbacks.

Federal judges blocked key parts of that order, including attempts to require proof of citizenship for the federal voter registration form and for military voters, citing constitutional separation of powers and the limits of presidential authority over election procedures.

In Congress, Republicans introduced the Make Elections Great Again Act to set national baselines for voter ID, citizenship verification, mail-ballot deadlines, paper ballots, and limits on ballot collection, while separately pushing the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act to mandate proof of citizenship to register.

What People Are Saying

Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Monday: “Does Donald Trump need a copy of the Constitution? What he’s saying is outlandishly illegal.”

Republican Representative Don Bacon wrote on X: “I opposed nationalizing elections when Speaker Pelosi wanted major changes to elections in all 50 states. I’ll oppose this now as well. I work w/the NE Gov & Unicameral to ensure we have secure elections where every citizen’s vote counts. This is what the Constitution calls for.”

Lawyer Bradley P. Moss told Newsweek: “There is no legal basis for the President to nationalize elections. The Constitution specifically delegates that authority to the states. Congress can pass laws to modify how states administer elections, and they have done that several times in our history with things such as the Voting Rights Act and the NVRA, but the states still actually run the elections.”

What Happens Next

Trump and Republican allies are expected to continue pressing Congress to advance federal election bills like the SAVE Act and the MEGA Act. Democrats will likely oppose them, and constitutional challenges are set to proceed in federal courts.

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DeKalb CEO Outlines 2026 Legislative Priorities as Session Begins

By Milton Kirby | Decatur, GA | January 31, 2026

As Georgia’s 2026 legislative session officially gets underway, Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, CEO of DeKalb County, met virtually with members of the DeKalb County House Legislative Delegation to outline the county’s priorities and highlight areas where state partnership will be critical in the months ahead.

The meeting marked the first formal engagement between county leadership and the delegation since the annual legislative dinner and coincided with the launch of Georgia’s constitutionally mandated 40 legislative-day session. That session, led by the Georgia General Assembly, is scheduled to conclude April 2.

Against the backdrop of hundreds of bills expected to be introduced, debated, and voted on before final measures reach the governor’s desk, Cochran-Johnson emphasized three core objectives: reaffirming alignment between the County’s executive leadership and Board of Commissioners, sharing updates on issues that have evolved since the last meeting, and identifying areas where collaboration with state lawmakers will be essential.

Top Legislative Priorities for 2026

DeKalb County’s 2026 legislative agenda reflects a unified approach to housing stability, infrastructure, governance reform, public safety, and long-term sustainability. The county’s top five priorities include:

Regulatory authority over vacant and rental properties.
County leaders are seeking authorization to establish and maintain a comprehensive registry of all rental and vacant properties, regardless of business licensing status. Officials say a verified in-state contact list would improve accountability and help ensure properties meet basic safety, health, and maintenance standards.

Annexation and new city reforms.
DeKalb is calling for revisions to state law governing municipal annexations and the creation of new cities. Proposed changes include repealing restrictions related to the sale of parks, reviewing the 60 percent annexation method, removing barriers to de-annexation, opposing legislative annexations advanced without county support, and limiting the use of taxpayer funds for annexation consultants.

Tenant protections.
The county is backing legislation requiring property owners to clearly disclose all lease-related fees, including junk fees, before a tenant signs a lease and in all housing advertisements.

NextGen 911 funding.
DeKalb is seeking increased and more flexible funding to support next-generation emergency systems, including integration with the county’s Real Time Crime Center and technologies that allow video, text, and GPS capabilities during emergency calls.

Expanded authority for Community Service Aides.
Proposed legislation would allow Community Service Aides to handle minor injury and property damage accidents, freeing sworn officers to focus on higher-priority public safety needs.

Public Works Leadership Update

In addition to outlining legislative priorities, Cochran-Johnson announced the appointment of Robert L. Gordon as Director of Public Works, effective immediately.

Gordon brings more than 40 years of leadership experience in public works and fleet management. Most recently, he served as Deputy Director of Fleet Management, overseeing procurement, maintenance, and lifecycle management for county vehicles supporting public safety and infrastructure services.

“Robert Gordon is a proven leader with a deep understanding of the complex operations that keep DeKalb County running,” Cochran-Johnson said, citing his institutional knowledge and commitment to service delivery.

As director, Gordon will oversee Fleet Maintenance, Roads and Drainage, Sanitation, and Transportation, while advancing initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure reliability, operational efficiency, and customer service. His career includes managing preventive maintenance for more than 600 heavy trucks and earning national recognition from the American Public Works Association, including induction into its Public Fleet Hall of Fame.

Gordon holds an associate’s degree in business management, professional certifications from the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government and currently serves on the board of Clean Cities Georgia.

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House Of Representatives Passes 13th Amendment, Abolishing Slavery

Reflecting on the 161st Anniversary of the 13th Amendment – A Nation at War Takes a Defining Step Toward Freedom

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | January 31, 2026

Today marks a date that should be etched into the mind of every American who values the sanctity of the law and the progress of human liberty. On this day, January 31, 1865, the United States House of Representatives sat in a chamber thick with the scent of tobacco and the heavy weight of history. They were there to decide if the “peculiar institution” of slavery would finally be purged from our national charter.

The amendment’s language was stark in its clarity:
“Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude… shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.”

As we at The Truth Seekers Journal spend our days digging through modern court authorizations and federal actions, it is vital to look back at the most significant “court-authorized” action in our history: the passage of the 13th Amendment.

A House Divided, A Gallery Overflowing

The atmosphere in Washington 161 years ago was electric. The Civil War was grinding toward its bloody conclusion, but President Abraham Lincoln knew that his Emancipation Proclamation was merely a wartime measure, a temporary fix that could be undone by a future court or a hostile peace. He needed a “King’s cure,” a permanent constitutional seal that would ensure freedom was not just a policy, but a foundational right.

The vote was far from a sure thing. Just months earlier, the House had failed to reach the necessary two-thirds majority. But through the relentless political maneuvering of James Mitchell Ashley and the unwavering moral clarity of Thaddeus Stevens, the tide began to turn.

When the final tally was announced—119 to 56—the House erupted. Reports from the time describe a “tumult of joy” that broke all decorum. Members wept openly. The galleries cheered so loudly the rafters shook. For the first time, the word “Slavery” was used in the Constitution not to protect it, but to abolish it forever.

The vote came nearly four years into the Civil War, at a moment when the Union’s military fortunes had begun to turn and the moral urgency of abolition had become inseparable from the nation’s survival. President Abraham Lincoln, who had issued the Emancipation Proclamation two years earlier, had long argued that only a constitutional amendment could permanently end slavery across all states including those loyal to the Union.

The Power of the Record

What strikes me, as I review the FBI’s recent confirmations regarding election record custody in Union City, is the parallel of accountability. In 1865, the struggle was over the custody of human lives; today, our struggle is often over the custody of the truth and the integrity of our democratic processes.

The 13th Amendment succeeded because of a transparent, recorded vote. It succeeded because men like Lincoln and Stevens weren’t afraid to push against the status quo to ensure that the law reflected the will of a free people.

Why We Remember

At The Truth Seekers Journal, we believe that history is a living document. When we ask the FBI about the statutory basis for a search warrant, we are standing on the shoulders of those who demanded that the federal government operate under the light of constitutional authority.

The 13th Amendment didn’t just end a dark chapter; it set a precedent that the Constitution belongs to the people, and its amendments are our tools for course correction.

As we continue to investigate the events unfolding at the Fulton County Election Hub, let us remember the lesson of January 31, 1865: Truth and transparency are the only path to a more perfect union.

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FBI Executes Search Warrant at Fulton County Election Hub Seeking 2020 Ballots

The FBI executed a search warrant at Fulton County’s Election Hub, seizing 2020 ballots and records in a move local officials call alarming and politically charged.

By Milton Kirby | Union City, GA | January 29, 2026

Federal Bureau of Investigation agents executed a court-authorized search warrant Wednesday at the Fulton County Election Hub and Operations Center in Union City, Georgia, seizing records connected to the 2020 presidential election as part of what authorities described as an ongoing federal investigation.

The FBI confirmed it was conducting “court-authorized law enforcement activity” at the county’s primary elections facility south of Atlanta but declined to provide further details. “Our investigation into this matter is ongoing so there are no details that we can provide at the moment,” the agency said in a statement.

Fulton County spokesperson Jessica Corbitt-Dominguez confirmed that the warrant sought 2020 election records but declined further comment while the search was underway. County officials said the FBI remained inside the building into the evening hours.

County Leaders Express Alarm and Compliance

Robb Pitts, chair of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, told reporters late Wednesday that he did not know where the seized records were being taken.

“All I know is that as long as those boxes had been in the control of the county in this facility, they were safe and secure,” Pitts said. “I can no longer, as chair of this board, satisfy not only the citizens of Atlanta but the citizens of the world that those ballots are still secure.”

Sherri Allen, chair of the Fulton County Board of Registration and Elections, said the board “fully complied” with the FBI and confirmed agents were still on site as of 8 p.m. Eastern Time.

State Sen. Josh McLaurin, a Democrat whose district includes Fulton County, called the search “extremely alarming,” warning that it could further erode public trust in election administration.

Scope of the Warrant and Legal Questions

According to county officials, the FBI sought all ballots from the 2020 election in Fulton County, including tabulator tapes, ballot images, and voter rolls.

Fulton County Commissioner Mo Ivory said the initial warrant presented by agents was “incorrect legally” and challenged by county officials on site. The FBI later returned with a corrected warrant, she said.

The county’s Clerk of Superior Court, Che Alexander, who is the legal custodian of the election materials, was present during the search and inventorying the items taken, Ivory said.

“The commissioners, the chairman, the county attorney are trying to figure out a legal plan,” Ivory said during a press conference outside of the facility. “Maybe an injunction, a motion to quash, something. We’re trying to figure it out.”

Commissioner Marvin Arrington Jr. said the Trump administration had previously attempted to obtain the same 2020 election records through civil litigation. Because the records were sealed as part of earlier investigations, the county did not release them. Arrington noted the records were scheduled for release within months as a result of those civil actions.

He questioned why a criminal investigation—with no named defendant—began only after those civil efforts failed, and why records from the 2024 election were not sought.

Political Context and Renewed Scrutiny

The FBI search comes amid renewed federal attention to Fulton County, a jurisdiction that has remained a focal point of former President Donald Trump’s repeated false claims that the 2020 election was “rigged.”

Speaking last week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump again asserted without evidence that the election was fraudulent and said “people will soon be prosecuted.”

Fulton County was central to Trump’s post-election efforts in Georgia, including a now-infamous January 2021 phone call in which he pressured Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to “find 11,780 votes,” roughly President Joe Biden’s margin of victory in the state.

Trump also publicly speculated that ballots had been shredded in Fulton County claims that were repeatedly debunked by audits, recounts, and court rulings.

Pitts said he was not surprised by the federal action. “Fulton County is sort of on a hit list,” he said. “We have complied with the law. The 2020 elections were fair. They were open. Every legal vote was counted, and we will continue to comply with the law.”

DOJ, Intelligence Officials, and Election Security Claims

The search also follows a December Department of Justice complaint requesting extensive 2020 election materials from Fulton County, including used and void ballots, ballot stubs, signature envelopes, and related digital files, citing an investigation into compliance with federal law.

According to a senior Trump administration official, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard was also in Fulton County on Wednesday and visited the elections hub the same day the FBI executed the warrant.

“Director Gabbard has a pivotal role in election security and protecting the integrity of our elections,” the official said, adding that she was acting under Trump’s directive to secure elections nationwide.

Pitts said Gabbard had not communicated with the Fulton County Board of Commissioners.

Warnings of Intimidation and Historical Parallels

Several local and state officials warned the federal action could be perceived as intimidation ahead of upcoming elections.

“This is a scare tactic. This is a distraction,” Commissioner Mo Ivory said. “This is about sowing the seeds of fear so that people will not show up at the polls in May and November.”

Georgia State Rep. Saira Draper said Fulton County has undergone repeated audits and investigations since 2020, all of which cleared the county of wrongdoing.

“If this administration had a genuine interest in investigating voter fraud,” Draper said, “they would be investigating Coffee County, a red county, where there is actual evidence of people going into the election office after hours and copying election documents.”

Former special counsel Jack Smith previously documented how false fraud claims targeting Fulton County led to death threats against election workers.

Two of those workers, Ruby Freeman and Wandrea Shaye Moss, were falsely accused by Trump allies of manipulating ballots. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani amplified those claims. A jury awarded Freeman and Moss $148 million in damages in 2023, a judgment Giuliani satisfied in 2025.

National Reactions

U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock condemned the search, calling it politically motivated.

“The FBI should be focused on going after violent criminals, not carrying out political errands for a vengeful President,” Warnock said. “Republicans and Democrats agree: the 2020 elections were accurate and secure. End of story.”

Meanwhile, Josh McKoon praised the action, saying it marked “a major step toward truth and accountability” and arguing Georgians have waited years for answers about the 2020 election.

A Facility Built for Transparency

The Fulton County Election Hub, which opened in 2023, houses more than 261,000 square feet dedicated to elections staff, operations, and equipment. County officials have repeatedly cited the facility as evidence of enhanced transparency, security, and chain-of-custody controls.

As of Wednesday night, county leaders said they were still assessing legal options and seeking clarity on the scope and implications of the federal seizure.

The Truth Seekers Journal reached out to the FBI seeking additional information regarding the search warrant and scope of the investigation. No response had been received at the time of publication.

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Warnock Forces Release of $192M in Delayed Federal Aid for Helene Recovery

Sen. Raphael Warnock secures $192 million in delayed Hurricane Helene relief, pushing total recovered Georgia disaster funds past $500 million amid reimbursement disputes.

By Milton Kirby | Washington, D.C. | January 28, 2026

U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock announced Tuesday that he has secured an additional $192 million in federal disaster relief funding owed to Georgia communities recovering from Hurricane Helene, marking the latest installment in a months-long effort to force the release of delayed reimbursements.

The funds were released by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after sustained pressure from Warnock’s office, as counties across Georgia particularly in rural areas faced mounting financial strain and the prospect of lawsuits from contractors seeking payment for completed recovery work.

The announcement follows a December 2025 release of $300 million in outstanding Helene payments that Warnock also helped unlock, bringing the total recovered funds to more than $500 million in recent months.

“I am thrilled to announce I have secured an additional $192 million in federal funding owed to Georgia communities recovering from Hurricane Helene,” Warnock said. “Hurricanes and natural disasters are not political; they do not care if you voted red or blue. Georgia counties and cities went right to work recovering from Helene’s destruction with the understanding the federal government would fulfill its promises.”

Warnock emphasized that the fight is not over. In September 2025, he released a report finding that nearly $500 million in promised federal disaster funding remained unpaid. Follow-up reviews later increased that figure to as much as $600 million, raising alarms about the financial exposure of local governments forced to front recovery costs.

The funding stems from a 2024 disaster recovery bill championed by Warnock, designed to reimburse counties and state agencies for emergency work performed after Helene. Despite bipartisan congressional support, Warnock’s office says the delivery of funds was slowed by administrative breakdowns and bureaucratic delays within the Trump Administration.

Among the largest recipients in the latest reimbursement round is the Georgia Department of Transportation, which received $78.3 million. Counties receiving funding include Columbia County ($16.6 million), Emanuel County ($11.3 million), Jefferson County ($10.4 million), Burke County ($6.6 million), and Coffee County ($4.7 million), among others.

Warnock said he will continue pressing federal agencies until Georgia receives every dollar it was promised. “It should not have gotten to this point,” he said. “I will continue fighting until Georgia’s communities especially rural Georgia get every cent they are owed.”

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Brett Kavanaugh raises impeachment question in Trump Federal Reserve case

Why It Matters

The justices are contemplating a case that deals with the president’s removal of an independent official and what counts as “for cause.” An attorney representing Cook, former U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement, tells the court that impeachment, a form of removal of an official, is “the ultimate backup” in a hypothetical situation that Justice Samuel Alito presented to him.

During arguments, several justices questioned whether President Donald Trump has the authority to fire a sitting Fed governor over allegations of mortgage fraud that Cook denies. Earlier in the hearing, Justice Brett Kavanaugh warned that allowing Cook’s dismissal could “weaken, if not shatter, the independence of the Federal Reserve.”

What To Know

Following Justice Samuel Alito’s hypothetical question, “how about if, after the person assumes office, videos are disclosed in which the officeholder is expressing deep admiration for Hitler or for the Klan?” Clement, responded “that’s an official that would be impeached in a heartbeat.”

Amid the back and forth among other justices as well, Clement reiterated that his “backup to the backup” is “impeachment.” Kavanaugh then jumped in stating, “We got an argument in the past that impeachment doesn’t cover private conduct. You obviously disagree with that then?”

Clement responded, “Well, I certainly see, but this actually kind of makes the point about judicial review, right?”

Kavanaugh said, “I’m not saying I agree with that, by the way. It’s been—it’s been argued.”

Cook’s attorney then said, “What I absolutely agree with is the Walter Nixon case says that there’s no judicial review of the impeachment determination in the end. So whatever the House and the Senate ultimately determine, I mean, they can make constitutional law, too and they can determine whether private conduct is or is not out.”

The back and forth continued with Clement bringing up “INM,” referring to inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance, which comes from the Federal Trade Commission Act. He told the Court, “the reason I want to spend at least a moment answering some of the hard hypos is not because I’m a masochist. It’s just because those are—have got to be the answers under INM.”

Kavanaugh responded, “your answer is that those are funneled to the impeachment process?” to which Clement responded “that’s right,” continuing on that “INM has worked for 150 years. And I think it would continue to work. It hasn’t proven a problem in practice.”

Why Did Trump Fire Lisa Cook From the Federal Reserve Board of Governors?

Trump moved to remove Cook from the Federal Reserve Board, citing allegations that she committed mortgage fraud in 2021, before she joined the central bank. The administration argues that Cook improperly claimed two properties as primary residences, potentially securing more favorable loan terms. Trump’s legal team has said the allegations amount to misconduct sufficient to justify her dismissal, though Cook has not been charged with any crime. Critics have questioned whether the effort reflects a broader attempt by Trump to exert greater control over the independent central bank and influence interest rate policy.

Key takeaways

Impeachment as Backstop: Justice Brett Kavanaugh questioned whether impeachment is a realistic safeguard for removing independent officials, with attorney Paul Clement calling it the “ultimate backup” for misconduct or controversial behavior.
Trump vs. Lisa Cook: President Trump attempted to remove Fed Governor Lisa Cook over alleged mortgage fraud, raising concerns about Federal Reserve independence and presidential authority to fire governors.
About Lisa Cook: Cook is the first Black woman on the Fed Board, an economist focused on labor markets, economic inequality, and innovation, helping set U.S. monetary policy insulated from political pressure.

Who Is Lisa Cook? What to Know

Cook is a Federal Reserve governor and the first Black woman to serve on the Fed’s Board of Governors. An economist by training, she was confirmed to the board in 2022 after previously serving as a professor at Michigan State University and holding roles focused on economic research and policy.

Cook’s work has centered on labor markets, economic inequality and innovation. As one of seven governors, she helps set U.S. monetary policy, including interest rates, in a role designed to be insulated from political pressure.

What People Are Saying

The Supreme Court justices, writing in a separate case last year: “The Federal Reserve is a uniquely structured, quasi-private entity that follows in the distinct historical tradition of the First and Second Banks of the United States.”

Justice Sonia Sotomayor, speaking Wednesday: “This whole case is irregular, starting with the Truth Social notice…But that’s where we are.”

White House spokesman Kush Desai previously told The Associated Press: “President Trump lawfully removed Lisa Cook for cause from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. We look forward to ultimate victory after presenting our oral arguments before the Supreme Court in January.”

What Happens Next

The justices finished oral arguments on Wednesday and are expected to rule on the case at a later date.

This article was written by Mandy Taheri.

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A Farmer, a General, a Democrat: Shawn Harris Enters Georgia’s 14th District Race

Retired Brigadier General and farmer Shawn Harris enters Georgia’s 14th Congressional District race, positioning himself as a pragmatic alternative after Marjorie Taylor Greene’s resignation.

By Milton Kirby | Rockmart, GA | January 17, 2026

Confident, but not cocky. Bold, but not brash.
That is how Shawn Harris comes across on a cold January afternoon in Rockmart in northwest Georgia. We caught up with Harris working on his cattle farm, adjusting an underground freshwater delivery system designed to keep his herd fed through winter freezes.

Harris is a Democratic candidate in Georgia’s 14th Congressional District, a sprawling region covering 10 counties across the northwest corner of the state. The district stretches from rural farmland to small manufacturing towns, a footprint shaped more like a winding patchwork than a clean rectangle. Until recently, it was represented by one of the most polarizing figures in modern American politics.

Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene resigned from Congress effective January 5, 2026. In a video announcement released weeks earlier, Greene cited public clashes with Donald Trump and frustration with the political system. That resignation date was not accidental. Public records indicate it marked the minimum service threshold roughly five years required to qualify for an estimated annual congressional pension of about $8,700.

With Greene’s exit, the 14th District enters a rare moment of political reset.

From Farm to Battlefield and Back Again

Harris is no stranger to difficult terrain.

After graduating high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Over a four-decade military career, he rose from private to Brigadier General an achievement so rare it places him among a tiny fraction of service members nationwide.

Photo by Milton Kirby Harris’ beef cattle grazing

To put that rise into perspective: while the U.S. Army has roughly 450,000 active-duty soldiers, only about 130 to 150 serve as Brigadier Generals at any given time. Fewer than 5 percent of Colonels are ever selected for promotion to the first general officer rank. The climb typically requires more than 25 years of service, advanced degrees, senior service college graduation, and survival through the military’s unforgiving “up or out” promotion system.

Harris served as a combat infantry commander in Afghanistan before retiring as a General. When his military service ended, he and his wife, Karla, returned home to Georgia and back to the land.

A Special Election, a Crowded Field

Following Greene’s resignation, Gov. Brian Kemp set a special election for March 10, 2026, in accordance with Georgia law. The timeline allows for ballot access, overseas military voting, and compliance with federal election requirements.

Because the contest is a special election, all candidates regardless of party will appear on a single “jungle” ballot. A runoff is expected if no candidate clears 50 percent. In total, 22 candidates qualified, including 17 Republicans.

Harris enters the race with recent electoral history. In the November 2024 general election, running head-to-head against Greene, Harris received 134,759 votes, 35.6 percent of the total, while Greene garnered 64.4 percent. For a first-time candidate in one of Georgia’s most Republican districts, the showing surprised many observers.

Harris believes that result revealed a growing coalition. “There is a pathway to victory,” he said. “It requires one victory every day, one voter, one volunteer, one yard sign at a time.”

Why He’s Running

Harris describes his candidacy as rooted in lived experience rather than political theater.

He grew up on a Georgia farm. He enlisted to serve his country. He and Karla have been married for 36 years, raised five children, and now have four grandchildren. While Harris served overseas, Karla became a family physician. When his military career ended, they returned to Georgia not Washington.

Harris says the resignation of Greene has changed the conversation in Northwest Georgia.

“For years, we watched national drama take priority over local needs,” he said. “Now we have a once-in-a-generation chance to bring real leadership back to this district.”

Policy Grounded in Place

Harris’ platform emphasizes practical issues affecting rural and working families.

On agriculture, he supports a fully funded Farm Bill that prioritizes small and medium-sized farms, protects SNAP benefits, modernizes water infrastructure, and expands access to advanced agricultural technology beyond corporate producers.

On healthcare, he opposes proposed cuts to Medicare and Medicaid, calls for expanded rural specialist access, increased mental health and addiction services, and protection of reproductive healthcare from political interference. He also supports removing marijuana from federal drug schedules to expand medical access for veterans and chronic pain patients.

On the economy, Harris backs expanded prescription drug price negotiations, rural broadband investment, infrastructure funding, labor protections, and efforts to bring stable, high-paying jobs back to Northwest Georgia.

On national security, he calls for modernized immigration processing, tougher action on fentanyl trafficking, expanded port screening, and domestic investment in supply chains and cybersecurity.

As a veteran, Harris opposes privatization of VA healthcare and supports expanded trauma care, suicide prevention, and job training programs that translate military skills into civilian opportunity.

Still a Farmer

Despite four decades in uniform, Harris remains unmistakably a farmer.

Farmers For Shawn Harris a yard sign in the neighborhood

One of his prized possessions is a young bull calf half Black Angus, half Wagyu. Wagyu cattle, a Japanese breed known for exceptional marbling, are prized worldwide. Harris smiled as he spoke about the animal.

“This is a valuable member of the herd,” he said. “He could be sold for beef or as a stud bull.”

For Harris, that choice mirrors the district he hopes to represent: rooted in tradition, full of potential, and deserving of careful stewardship.

Farm Credit Mid-America Opens 2026 Scholarship Applications for Future Agriculture Leaders

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DeKalb County Board of Commissioners Elects New Leadership as Data Center Debate Intensifies

DeKalb County commissioners elect Chakira Johnson as Presiding Officer and LaDena Bolton as Deputy while deferring a key data center zoning vote until July.

By Milton Kirby | Decatur, GA | January 14, 2026

DeKalb County entered 2026 with a shift in political leadership and a community still wrestling with one of the most consequential land‑use debates in its history. On Tuesday, the Board of Commissioners elected new officers while also voting to delay action on proposed data center zoning rules, a pause that reflects both rising public pressure and the county’s struggle to balance economic opportunity with environmental and neighborhood protections.

The meeting drew a packed room of residents from South and East DeKalb, many of whom have spent months demanding transparency, clearer communication, and stronger safeguards as data center proposals continue to surface across the county.

A New Leadership Team for a Critical Moment

Courtesy photo Chakira-Johnson-Presiding-Officer

Commissioners unanimously selected Chakira Johnson (District 4) as Presiding Officer and elected LaDena “Dr. B” Bolton (Super District 7) as Deputy Presiding Officer, a pairing that blends deep engineering expertise with community‑rooted advocacy.

Chakira Johnson: Engineering Mindset Meets Procedural Power

Johnson brings more than two decades of experience in civil engineering, municipal operations, and public infrastructure management. A Georgia Tech graduate with a master’s degree in international relations from Troy University, she is a licensed professional engineer in three states and was named one of Engineering Georgia’s 50 Notable Women in 2022.

Her résumé is matched by her long-standing service in DeKalb: nearly 30 years as a resident and 16 years on the Stone Mountain City Council, including three terms as Mayor Pro Tem. She has been a consistent advocate for STEM education and youth engagement.

As Presiding Officer, Johnson will guide the Board’s procedural direction running meetings, appointing committee chairs, and shaping how and when major issues come to the floor. She emphasized a leadership style grounded in professionalism and public trust.

“I am committed to leading with efficiency, integrity, and respect,” Johnson said. “This Board serves the people of DeKalb County.”

LaDena Bolton: A Community Voice With Scientific Rigor

Bolton, known affectionately as “Dr. B,” enters the Deputy Presiding Officer role during her first year on the commission. A graduate of Avondale High School, she credits her December 2024 election to long-standing community relationships and grassroots service.

Courtesy photo LaDena-Bolton-Deputy-Presiding-Officer

Her professional background includes a Ph.D. in chemistry from Clark Atlanta University, a bachelor’s degree from Savannah State University, and a career as an analytical forensic chemist working in national security, energy sustainability, and health equity.

Bolton’s early initiatives reflect her community-first approach:

March Into a Cleaner Tomorrow, a countywide cleanup effort that mobilized more than 1,000 volunteers and removed roughly five tons of litter in three months.
Youth Aviation Program, the county’s first, offering underserved students hands-on aviation training at DeKalb‑Peachtree Airport and mentorship toward earning pilot licenses.

Her office uses the bee pollinator as a symbol of collective work and community uplift.

“We’re building legacies from the inside out,” Bolton said. “Families, youth, neighborhoods that’s where the work begins.”

Why These Roles Matter Now

Under the DeKalb County Organizational Act, the Presiding Officer and Deputy Presiding Officer shape the Board’s internal structure and public-facing process. They control meeting flow, committee leadership, special session calls, and how major issues like data centers move through the system.

With public trust strained and residents demanding clearer communication, the leadership style of Johnson and Bolton will directly influence how the county navigates the months ahead.

Data Centers: A Debate That Has Become a Community Flashpoint

Beyond leadership elections, commissioners voted to delay action on data center zoning changes until July, when the planning commission is expected to present updated recommendations.

The pause comes after months of intense debate, particularly in South and East DeKalb communities that have historically borne the brunt of industrial encroachment, infrastructure strain, and uneven economic development.

Community Concerns

Residents have raised concerns about noise from cooling systems, water usage in a county already facing infrastructure challenges, environmental impact on nearby neighborhoods, proximity to homes and schools, and transparency in how proposals are evaluated.

Many residents say they are not opposed to economic development they simply want development that respects community health, land use, and long-term sustainability.

Economic Stakes

County officials, including CEO Lorraine Cochran‑Johnson, have noted that a single large-scale data center could generate an estimated $27 million annually in tax revenue, driven by the high value of servers and cooling equipment.

Supporters argue that revenue could support long‑delayed water system upgrades, reduce pressure on residential taxpayers, and strengthen the county’s long-term financial position.

They also describe data centers as essential digital infrastructure the unseen backbone of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and modern communications.

Regulation vs. Restriction

Proposals under discussion include 500‑foot buffers from residential areas, strict noise limits, generator restrictions, environmental impact reviews, and community benefit funds. Commissioner Ted Terry has suggested dedicating a portion of data center tax revenue to libraries, youth programs, and neighborhood improvements.

Statewide Scrutiny: Georgia Reconsiders Its Data Center Boom

The local debate mirrors a broader conversation unfolding at the Georgia Capitol.

A report from the Carl Vinson Institute of Government found that data center projects have generated more than 28,000 construction jobs, over 5,000 permanent positions, and billions in economic impact statewide.

Metro Atlanta led the nation in data center expansion last year, surpassing Northern Virginia, according to CBRE.

But the growth comes with a cost: state utility regulators have approved plans to add roughly 10,000 megawatts of new power generation capacity, much of it to meet data center demand.

State Rep. Ruwa Roman has introduced bipartisan legislation proposing a moratorium on new data center construction through 2027.

“This is permanent,” Roman said during recent hearings. “And if we get it wrong, Georgians will deal with the consequences for decades.”

Looking Ahead: Leadership, Trust, and the Path Forward

As DeKalb County moves deeper into 2026, the election of Johnson and Bolton signals a leadership team that blends technical expertise with community‑centered advocacy. Their challenge will be guiding a divided public conversation while ensuring transparency, fairness, and long-term planning.

The July deadline for data center zoning recommendations sets the stage for a pivotal summer one that will test the Board’s ability to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship, neighborhood protection, and community trust.

For residents, the question remains: what kind of development will shape DeKalb’s future and who gets to decide?

For Johnson and Bolton, the months ahead will define not only their leadership but the county’s direction for years to come.

Renew DeKalb Town Hall Highlights Growing Opposition to Data Centers

Moratorium, Monitoring, and Modernization: DeKalb’s Careful Approach to Data Centers

DeKalb CEO Lorraine Cochran Johnson’s Infrastructure and Growth Initiatives

Council for Quality Growth: Development Moratorium Extended Through 2025

Atlanta Regional Commission Sets Future Growth Priorities

Water Infrastructure Upgrades Coming to DeKalb County

Residents Push for Smart Growth in DeKalb

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Renew DeKalb Town Hall Highlights Growing Opposition to Data Centers

Residents packed a Renew DeKalb town hall to oppose data centers in South and East DeKalb, citing health risks, water strain, and zoning rules they say favor developers.

By Milton Kirby | Decatur, GA | January 11, 2026

A packed community meeting at the DeKalb Covington Highway Public Library on Saturday underscored a growing resistance to large-scale data center development in DeKalb County particularly in South and East DeKalb, where residents say environmental and infrastructure burdens are already too heavy.

The town hall, organized by Renew DeKalb and led by community organizer Gina Mangham, drew residents concerned that existing zoning rules are too broad and could allow massive, industrial-style data campuses to be built dangerously close to homes, schools, and churches.

Opponents warned that while data centers are often framed as clean, quiet engines of economic growth, the lived reality can be far different for nearby neighborhoods.

“The impact to the community that people are not looking at is the real health impact to nearby residents,” Mangham told the audience, pointing to concerns over air quality, noise, light pollution, and long-term infrastructure strain.

From Homes to Servers

According to Mangham, at least one proposed data center site in DeKalb was previously slated for a residential development of roughly 305 homes. That plan was later replaced with a data center proposal a shift residents say prioritizes developer profits over community stability.

Residents repeatedly emphasized that South and East DeKalb have historically borne the brunt of landfills, industrial zoning, and environmental hazards. Many fear data centers represent the next wave of uneven development.

“This is not happening in a vacuum,” one speaker said. “Our communities are already carrying more than their fair share.”

Water, Sewer, and a Federal Consent Decree

A central theme of the meeting was water and sewer capacity — a sensitive issue in DeKalb County.

In December 2011, DeKalb entered into a federal consent decree with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division to address chronic sanitary sewer overflows. The agreement required billions in upgrades and repairs over an initial 8.5-year period, later extended due to ongoing compliance challenges.

Residents questioned how the county could responsibly approve water-intensive data centers while still working to meet those long-standing obligations.

Large data centers can consume millions of gallons of water per day, primarily for cooling systems. Speakers also raised concerns about glycol-based coolants, which are recyclable but hazardous if improperly handled.

Unanswered questions remain: How will contaminated cooling water be disposed of? Who pays for cleanup if a data campus is decommissioned decades from now?

Noise, Air, and the Grid

Beyond water, residents cited noise pollution from constant cooling fans, light pollution from 24-hour operations, and air emissions from diesel backup generators.

Studies and community reports from other states show that generator testing can release nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter linked to asthma and cardiovascular disease. Some residents described the sound near data centers as a constant hum approaching the level of heavy lawn equipment.

Energy use is another concern. Data centers place extraordinary demands on local power grids, which can drive up residential utility bills as infrastructure upgrades are passed on to consumers.

Federal Push, Local Pushback

The meeting took place against a backdrop of aggressive federal efforts to accelerate data center construction nationwide.

In July 2025, Executive Order 14318 — “Accelerating Federal Permitting of Data Center Infrastructure” — directed federal agencies to streamline approvals, limit environmental reviews, and offer financial incentives to qualifying data center projects. The order also encourages the use of federal lands, including Brownfield and Superfund sites, for development.

Then, on December 11, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a separate executive order aimed at blocking state and local governments from restricting artificial intelligence development, arguing that fragmented regulation could weaken U.S. competitiveness.

Community leaders warn these federal moves could weaken local oversight just as neighborhoods are trying to assert their voices.

DeKalb Hits Pause

In response to mounting pressure, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners voted in December to extend a moratorium on new data center applications until June 23, 2026.

The pause temporarily blocks approval of new permits while commissioners work on comprehensive regulations addressing buffer zones, noise, screening, water use, and energy impacts.

· Terry has publicly argued that the moratorium is about responsible, data-driven planning, not stopping economic development outright.

· He has warned about unchecked expansion, rising residential power bills, and the lack of guardrails in current zoning.

· He has framed the pause as time to “get it right,” listen to residents, and build protections.

“This is about making decisions based on data and residents’ lived experiences,” Terry said during prior board discussions, warning that unchecked expansion could raise residential power bills by as much as $20 per month.

Other commissioners echoed concerns about data centers being allowed near schools and residential areas under current zoning rules.

What’s Already Here — and What’s Proposed

DeKalb currently has two operating data centers: a 3,350-square-foot facility run by DC Blox Atlanta and an 88,000-square-foot facility owned by Lincoln Rackhouse.

More significantly, county records show an application from PCC-DeKalb for a 1 million-square-foot data center campus on roughly 95 acres along Loveless Place in Ellenwood. That proposal includes three two-story buildings and an outdoor electric substation, with a vote expected in early 2026.

Two additional sites Bouldercrest Road and International Park Drive previously received zoning certification letters indicating data centers could be allowed, though neither project has moved forward.

Lessons From Virginia

Renew DeKalb organizers also pointed to Northern Virginia, the nation’s largest data center hub, as both a cautionary tale and a roadmap.

Loudoun County now requires special exceptions for all data centers. Fairfax County has imposed strict setbacks, enclosure requirements, and transit buffers. Even in Prince William County where data centers generate tens of millions in tax revenue fierce community opposition has derailed projects.

Virginia’s generous tax exemptions for data centers, which cost the state an estimated $750 million in lost sales tax revenue in 2023, have also drawn legislative scrutiny.

A New Proposal: Sharing the Benefits

In early January, Commissioner Terry introduced a resolution proposing a “DeKalb For the People AI Tech Dividend Fund,” which would dedicate 50 percent of data center tax revenue to community investments and fiscal stability.

The plan includes funding for libraries, seniors, youth programs, environmental buffers, green infrastructure, and workforce retraining particularly for neighborhoods within three miles of a data center site.

Public hearings on zoning amendments are scheduled later this month, with final votes expected in 2026.

A Community on Record

As Saturday’s town hall made clear, many DeKalb residents are no longer willing to be silent.

Speakers repeatedly said they are not opposed to technology or economic development — but they reject what they see as sacrifice zones for an industry that consumes enormous resources while providing relatively few local jobs.

Dickens 2.0: Atlanta Mayor Targets Poverty, Inequality in Second Term

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens begins his second term pledging to defeat poverty and inequality, citing falling crime, housing investment, and a renewed push for neighborhood reinvestment.

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | January 6, 2026

Atlanta entered a new chapter Monday as Andre Dickens was sworn in for a second four-year term, pledging to confront poverty, inequality, and public safety with renewed urgency — and with proof, he said, that the city’s approach is working.

Before thousands packed into Georgia State University’s Convocation Center, Dickens framed his next term as the completion phase of what he repeatedly called Atlanta’s “group project,” a citywide effort to invest in people, neighborhoods, and opportunity without leaving communities behind.

“Atlanta, we are done managing poverty,” Dickens declared. “We are done tolerating inequality. And we are done accepting violence as destiny.”

A second term shaped by results

Dickens, a lifelong Atlantan who grew up in the Adamsville neighborhood, returns to office after winning more than 85 percent of the vote in November. His second inauguration followed an unprecedented three-day Inauguration Weekend that included 61 community service projects across the city — a nod to his role as Atlanta’s 61st mayor and a signal that service, not ceremony, would define the moment.

The Honorable Asha Jackson administers oath of office to Mayor Andre Dickens

During his first term, Dickens said the city invested in people and neighborhoods at a historic scale. Atlanta opened 500 rapid re-housing units and started or completed more than 13,000 units of affordable housing. Youth investments topped $40 million, and more than 19,000 young people were hired at a living wage through city-supported programs.

Those investments, Dickens argued, produced measurable outcomes. Violent crime dropped sharply, with Atlanta finishing 2025 with fewer than 100 homicides for the first time in years. Youth-related crime fell by 56 percent, while Atlanta Public Schools posted its highest graduation rate on record.

The city also earned its first-ever AAA bond rating, raised the minimum wage for city employees to $17.50 an hour, expanded the BeltLine and park access, reduced food deserts, and launched the city’s first municipal grocery store.

“Across every measure,” Dickens said, “the Phoenix of Atlanta continues to rise.”

The unfinished work

Still, Dickens made clear that progress alone is not enough.

“How can we be satisfied when too many of our neighbors still sleep on our streets?” he asked. “How can we be satisfied when too many families live check to check — with more month than money?”

At the center of his second term is the Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative, aimed at ensuring every Atlanta neighborhood is safe, connected, healthy, and whole. Dickens described poverty and inequality as Atlanta’s modern-day “Goliath” — a persistent enemy that demands a direct confrontation, not incremental management.

He outlined five priorities — “five smooth stones,” as he called them — that will guide the administration: affordable housing, neighborhood investment, youth opportunity, public safety, and ethical, fiscally responsible government.

“Where we’ve thrown those stones,” Dickens said, “the results have been undeniable.”

A citywide audience

The inauguration drew a broad cross-section of Atlanta’s political and civic leadership, including U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, U.S. Reps. Lucy McBath and Nikema Williams, U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young, and former mayors Kasim Reed and Shirley Franklin.

City Council President Marci Collier Overstreet speaks

All members of the Atlanta City Council were sworn in alongside Dickens, including incoming Council President Marci Collier Overstreet, underscoring the administration’s emphasis on collaboration entering a politically active year ahead of the 2026 Georgia legislative session.

From Adamsville to City Hall

Dickens’ story remains central to his message. A graduate of Benjamin E. Mays High School, Georgia Tech, and Georgia State University, he often describes his leadership as forged in Atlanta’s neighborhoods long before City Hall.

“Leadership doesn’t begin in the palace,” he said, referencing his upbringing. “It begins in the field.”

That framing resonated throughout the address, which closed with a promise to move beyond what Dickens called a “tale of two cities” — one prosperous, one struggling — toward a future where opportunity is shared more evenly.

“This is not just a slogan,” he said. “It is our promise.”

Why it matters

As Atlanta continues to grow, Dickens’ second term will test whether the city can expand affordability, safety, and economic mobility without displacing the communities that built it. His administration enters 2026 with momentum, measurable results, and heightened expectations — and with a mayor signaling that the next four years will be about finishing the work already underway.

“Now,” Dickens told the crowd, “let’s get to work, Atlanta.”

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