By Ross Williams | Deputy Editor
Can you believe it? Election Day is just a week away.
If you get a Georgia Democrat talking about their plans if their party wins control of the state, fully expanding Medicaid coverage is usually at the top of the list. Democratic candidates for Georgia’s highest office largely back the idea too, but even if a Democrat wins the governor’s mansion, expanding Medicaid is a little more complicated in the age of the One Big Beautiful Bill. Reporter Alander Rocha has the details.
And if you’ve been putting off early voting until you learn more about the candidates for Georgia Labor Commissioner, the time for excuses is over. We’ve got a rundown on the five Democrats looking to challenge Republican Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. If you or someone you know has a job, it may be worth a read.
All that and more is below, including a story from our partners at KFF Health News about certified professional midwives risking their careers to practice in Georgia.
Democratic candidates for governor are largely unified in their promise to fully expand Medicaid, which has been a longstanding Democratic priority, but that could be complicated as new federal law policy is implemented. the_burtons/Getty Images
HEALTH
By Alander Rocha
Healthcare affordability remains a top concern for Georgia voters as they navigate a crowded ballot this primary election season, but as statewide Democratic candidates rally behind Medicaid expansion, campaign promises could be complicated by federal legislation passed last year. According to a KFF poll, 72% of Democrats, 63% of independents and 47% of Republicans said the cost of healthcare will have a major impact on which party’s candidate they vote for later this year.
Gov. Brian Kemp signed off on a slate of tax-related bills Monday as bill-signing season winds down. Alander Rocha/Georgia Recorder (file photo)
TAXES
By Jill Nolin
The governor has signed off on a bill designed to provide property tax relief to homeowners despite lingering concerns about the potential impact to local schools and services – and whether the bill would survive legal scrutiny because of how it was passed.
Five Democrats are running in the May 19 primary for labor commissioner. Pictured clockwise from the top left: Brett Hulme, Jason Moon, Nikki Porcher, Michelle “Michi” Sánchez and Christian Wise Smith. Photos provided by candidates
2026 ELECTION
By Ross Williams
Five Democrats are seeking to challenge Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes to lead the state’s Department of Labor. In phone interviews, the candidates largely said they would emphasize the rights of workers rather than corporations as well as focus on affordability.
Georgia is one of seven states where delivering babies can earn non-nurse midwives, at minimum, a cease-and-desist letter requiring them to end their careers. Getty Images
HEALTH
By Lisa Rab, KFF Health News
In a midwife’s suburban Atlanta home with a playground and chicken coop outside, Madie Collins lay on an examination table while the midwife measured her pregnant belly. Unlike at many a doctor’s office, no crinkly paper sheet covered the table and no antiseptic chill lingered in the air. The room next door, where Collins’ appointment began, was filled with children’s toys and scented candles and warmed by a wood-burning stove.
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FROM OUR DC BUREAU
Trump so far failing in quest for power over elections as midterms approach | Jonathan Shorman
Trump nominates ousted FEMA chief to return | Jennifer Shutt
ICYMI FROM THE RECORDER
Campaigns enter homestretch as Trump, Obama try to whip up support for Georgia candidates | Jill Nolin and Alander Rocha
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