#GeorgiaSenate | AM 1180 Radio

June 22, 2026

Georgia Republicans Move To Keep Touchscreen Voting System Ahead Of Midterms

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Georgia Senate Republicans have approved legislation that would delay a state law banning the use of QR codes to count votes, keeping the state’s touchscreen voting system in place through the 2026 midterm elections. The measure passed the Senate by a 33-19 vote and now heads to the Georgia House for consideration.

The legislation would postpone the QR code ban until January 2028 and create a committee to recommend specifications for Georgia’s next voting system. Lawmakers say the move is necessary to avoid confusion and potential legal challenges because the state has not yet developed or implemented a replacement system.

Gov. Brian Kemp called lawmakers into a special session in part to address the looming July 1 deadline established by a 2024 law that would prohibit counting votes through QR codes. Election officials have warned that making a major change before this fall’s elections could create logistical problems for counties and voters.

Georgia’s current voting system uses touchscreen machines that print paper ballots containing both a human-readable summary and a QR code that is scanned to tabulate votes. Critics have argued for years that voters cannot independently verify the information contained in the QR code, while supporters say changing systems too close to an election could create significant disruptions.

The Senate proposal would also require full hand recounts of the top two races on the ballot, a provision that has generated debate among lawmakers over the time and resources required to conduct such counts.

Democrats generally support delaying the QR code ban but criticized the bill’s process, arguing that the committee tasked with designing a future voting system lacks adequate bipartisan representation.

If approved by the House and signed into law, the measure would keep Georgia’s touchscreen voting system in place through at least the 2026 election cycle while state leaders work toward selecting a long-term replacement.

June 21, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Lawmakers Advance Bill To Delay Ballot QR Code Changes Until 2028

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Georgia lawmakers have taken the first major step toward resolving a voting system issue that threatened to complicate the state’s upcoming elections.

May 3, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Sen. Lanny Thomas Appointed To Key Georgia Senate Committees

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State Senator Lanny Thomas of Trion has been appointed to serve on several key Georgia Senate committees, giving Northwest Georgia a voice in major policy areas.

April 24, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Lanny Thomas Sworn In To Serve Georgia Senate District 53

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Lanny Thomas was officially sworn in Thursday to serve in the Georgia State Senate representing District 53.

Thomas called it a special day for his family and for Northwest Georgia, saying it is an honor he does not take lightly.

In a statement following the ceremony, Thomas said District 53 now has strong leadership and a voice at the Capitol. He thanked supporters, family, and friends who joined him in Atlanta, and said he is ready to represent all residents, including families, workers, small businesses, and local communities.

Thomas also reminded voters that another election is coming up on May 19th, encouraging residents to make a plan to vote as he seeks to continue serving in the next term.

He said the goal moving forward is to keep Northwest Georgia moving forward together.

April 14, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

State Senator Highlights Major Literacy Investment Following 2026 Session

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As the Georgia General Assembly wrapped up its 2026 regular session last week, State Senator Chuck Hufstetler of Rome is pointing to early childhood literacy as one of the most important issues addressed by lawmakers.

April 7, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Zibluk Congratulates Thomas After State Senate Runoff

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Democratic candidate Jack Zibluk has congratulated Republican Lanny Thomas following Tuesday night’s runoff in Georgia’s 53rd State Senate District.

March 17, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Democratic State Senate District 53 candidate Jack Zibluk Suspends Campaign

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Democratic State Senate District 53 candidate Jack Zibluk has announced he is suspending campaign activities following the recent medical emergency involving his opponent, Republican candidate Lanny Thomas.

March 15, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia State Senator Resigns To Focus On Lieutenant Governor Campaign

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A Georgia state senator has stepped down from office to focus on her campaign for lieutenant governor.

Democratic Sen. Nabilah Parkes, who represented part of Gwinnett County, announced her resignation in a public statement Friday. Parkes first launched a campaign for Georgia insurance and fire safety commissioner in January before shifting to the lieutenant governor’s race on March 5.

Parkes now joins state Sen. Josh McLaurin of Sandy Springs and Richard Wright in the Democratic field for lieutenant governor. In her resignation letter to Gov. Brian Kemp, Parkes sharply criticized the Georgia Legislature, calling it “a place where good ideas go to die and where extremists continue to attack our freedoms.” Georgia’s primary election is scheduled for May 19.

March 13, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Hufstetler Pushes Housing Bills Aimed at Lowering Costs for Georgia Families

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State Sen. Chuck Hufstetler, R-Rome, says rising housing costs are one of the biggest threats facing Georgia families and argues that lawmakers must act to protect homeownership opportunities across the state.

March 11, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Thomas, Zibluk Advance to Runoff in Georgia State Senate District 53 Race

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Former Trion Mayor Lanny Thomas, a Republican, and John Bentley “Jack” Zibluk, a Democrat, are headed to an April 7 runoff election in the race for Georgia State Senate District 53 after no candidate won a majority in Tuesday’s special election.