Voters across Northwest Georgia are invited to attend the Georgia 14th Congressional District Candidate Forum scheduled for Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Rome City Auditorium.
Former President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he is endorsing Clay Fuller in the crowded special election to replace former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene in Georgia’s 14th Congressional District.
State Senator Chuck Hufstetler, a Republican from Rome, says lawmakers are taking a closer look at the rapid growth of data centers across Georgia, calling it one of the most pressing economic and infrastructure issues facing the state.
In his latest legislative report, State Rep. Eddie Lumsden says the Georgia House returned to full work after Winter Storm Fern prompted a State of Emergency and briefly slowed the start of the 2026 session. Lumsden, a Republican from Armuchee, represents Chattooga County and a portion of Floyd County in the Georgia House of Representatives.
Lumsden says House Appropriations subcommittees resumed meetings to review the AFY 2026 and FY 2027 budget proposals, while the House Rules Committee met for the first time this session and the chamber passed its first legislation of 2026. He also noted lawmakers recognized utility crews, first responders, and agencies for storm response and power restoration efforts across North Georgia.
Among key actions, the House passed HB 443 to create offshore fishing endorsement fees to support Georgia-based fisheries surveys, and unanimously adopted HR 1008 to update the state’s water planning council structure. Lumsden also cited final passage of SB 148, which would update public school policies including hunting safety lessons, outdoor learning, expanded personal leave, and changes to AED program requirements. He added that House Speaker Jon Burns introduced the Georgia HOME Act, a proposal aimed at phasing out homestead property taxes by 2032.
You can read Rep. Lumsden’s complete report below:
The Chickamauga City Council issued a prepared statement Saturday night, Jan. 31, following Friday’s public hearing that had been scheduled regarding Mayor Trey Deck.
City officials apologized for what they called a lack of space to accommodate the public at the special-called meeting on Jan. 30, saying the turnout was so large that many people were unable to enter the venue. The council said it unanimously voted to postpone the hearing until a larger, more suitable location can be arranged.
The statement also says the city is following legal guidance on what information can be released publicly to protect the mayor’s right to a fair hearing. The council noted that the mayor’s attorney received notice and evidence of the allegations on Jan. 15, and that one of the allegations involves a human resources matter requiring discretion. The city says details and evidence will be presented during the rescheduled public hearing, where the mayor will have the opportunity to respond.
One of the candidates in Northwest Georgia’s crowded U.S. House special election field has withdrawn from the race and is now turning attention to a run for the Georgia General Assembly. Republican Christian Hurd announced Sunday he is stepping away from the March 10 special election for Georgia’s 14th Congressional District, saying he believes his “path is closed” in the congressional contest.
Qualifying is now underway for the District 53 seat in the Georgia State Senate. The Special Election will be held on March 10 in Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Walker, and a portion of Floyd Counties to fill the vacancy created by Senator Colton Moore’s qualifying for the special election in Georgia’s 14th Congressional District for the U.S. House of Representatives.
Senate Majority Leader Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas) is praising the Senate Committee on Finance after it approved Senate Bill 382, sponsored by Sen. Chuck Hufstetler (R–Rome). The bill is a Senate Majority Caucus priority for the 2026 Legislative Session.
Capitol Beat News Service contributed to this story
A proposed amendment to the Georgia Constitution could eliminate sales taxes on timber, a move supporters say would help stabilize a forestry industry that has been hammered by mill closures and storm damage. House Majority Leader Chuck Efstration of Mulberry is sponsoring House Resolution 1000, saying the bipartisan effort is meant to protect what he called a cornerstone of Georgia’s rural economy.
State Senator Jason T. Dickerson of Canton has introduced Senate Bill 415, legislation aimed at banning the production, distribution, and sale of lab-grown meat in Georgia. Lab-grown meat, also known as cultured or cell-based meat, is produced by harvesting animal cells and growing them in a controlled environment rather than raising livestock.