Georgia governor's race, Trump endorsement, CDC shooting | On the Record, Aug. 17, 2025

 The last Democrat to hold a constitutional office in the state of Georgia was an inaugural guest in the debut episode of On The Record With Atlanta News First.

Michael Thurmond spoke with Atlanta News First political reporter Doug Reardon on whether Democrats can win support for their agenda in a state long dominated by Republicans and one that Donald Trump won handily in his historic 2024 presidential bid.

Also in this week’s premiere episode:

• President Donald Trump has endorsed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in Georgia’s nationally watched gubernatorial race;
• Attorney General Chris Carr has filed a lawsuit against the lieutenant governor, who just so happens to be the man he’s running against for governor.
• Did vaccine misinformation play a role in last week’s deadly shooting at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention?
• President Trump has ordered the National Guard into Washington, D.C., declaring a public safety crisis in the nation’s capital city. Could this happen in Atlanta?

On The Record is a new, 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.

Your home for breaking news, leading headlines, and extended conversation on issues impacting the metro Atlanta community