ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Billionaire businessman Rick Jackson stunned Georgia’s political establishment this week with his entry into the state’s nationally watched governor’s race.

Also in this week’s show:

• Fulton County leaders are firing back at the federal government after last week’s FBI raid of the county’s elections hub.
  • Fulton County officials demand return of election documents after FBI raid
• President Donald Trump renewed his calls this week to make sure elections are safe and secure, even insisting the federal government should take over election operations in some states.
• State Sen. Josh McLaurin, who is running for Georgia lieutenant governor, was on-site at the elections hub’s raid.

• U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk announced this week he is not running for reelection.
  • US Rep. Barry Loudermilk not running for reelection
• State senators have passed a resolution urging Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to turn over voter information to the U.S. Justice Department.
• The 14th district GOP is holding a candidate forum on Feb. 12, 2026, for the special election to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene on Capitol Hill.

Trump endorses district attorney in race to succeed Marjorie Taylor Greene

• A tax fight is erupting under the Gold Dome with billions of dollars and your property tax bill — hanging in the balance.

On The Record is a weekly political show hosted by Atlanta News First anchor Rick Folbaum and political reporter Doug Reardon. It airs every Sunday at 11 a.m. on Atlanta News First.

The program, which can also be seen on Atlanta News First’s website and all of its streaming and podcasting platforms, features extensive interviews with Atlanta’s and Georgia’s most influential political leaders, newsmakers and analysts.

As in 2016, 2020 and 2024, Georgia will once again be a key state in the 2028 presidential election, with red and blue power brokers lobbying the swing state, which is often a direct way to the White House.

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