Author

Stephen Fowler

Stephen Fowler

Stephen Fowler is an award-winning reporter and photographer for GPB News covering state and local politics.

Sen. Raphael Warnock, Herschel Walker clash in U.S. Senate debate

By: - October 14, 2022

Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock and his Republican opponent Herschel Walker faced off in a contentious debate in Savannah Friday, the first and likely the only televised debate between the two in this pivotal race. In the hour-long meeting, Warnock largely touted bipartisan accomplishments and accused his opponent of speaking falsehoods about his campaign. “Time and […]

Former Sen. Johnny Isakson, a giant in Georgia politics, dies at 76

By: - December 19, 2021

While bitter partisanship and fierce ideological battles may define today’s political landscape, former Republican Sen. Johnny Isakson had two categories for people: friends and future friends. Isakson, a statesman beloved by Republicans and respected by Democrats, champion of veteran’s affairs and public servant for more than four decades, died in his sleep overnight Sunday at […]

Who stayed home in Georgia’s Senate runoffs? Rural white Republicans

By: - April 22, 2021

A new analysis of demographic data from Georgia’s November and January elections confirms a larger decline in white rural turnout led to Democrats flipping both U.S. Senate seats, one of the biggest challenges the GOP must tackle ahead of 2022. After a record-setting November 2020 general election that saw more than five million Georgians cast their ballots, enthusiasm remained high […]

Georgia leaders cheer settlement saving EV battery plant project

By: - April 12, 2021

One of Georgia’s largest economic development projects can move forward after two South Korean electric vehicle battery companies settled a trade secrets dispute over the weekend. SK Innovation is building a $2.6 billion factory in Commerce, about 70 miles northeast of Atlanta, that will make EV batteries for Ford and Volkswagen cars and employ up […]

The next big political battle in Georgia: Redistricting

By: , and - April 5, 2021

As controversy swirls over the comprehensive new voting law that drastically alters Georgia’s election system, another battle with equally profound implications looms on the horizon: redistricting. In the coming months, state lawmakers will begin redrawing the lines of Georgia’s legislative and congressional districts, a process that will help determine control of the state government and […]

Asian American lawmakers denounce spa shootings, rise in violence

By: - March 18, 2021

Georgia’s five Asian American lawmakers — Sens. Michelle Au and Sheikh Rahman, and Reps. Sam Park, Marvin Lim and Bee Nguyen — and their allies are calling for action against racism and misogyny after a 21-year-old white man was charged with killing eight people, including six women of Asian descent, in three shootings across the metro Atlanta area Tuesday. Park, a […]

In recorded call, Trump pushed official to overturn Georgia vote

By: - January 3, 2021

An angry President Trump pushed Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, a fellow Republican, to overturn the state’s presidential results, and appeared to at least partly blame him for what could be lower turnout in Tuesday’s runoff elections that will decide control of the U.S. Senate, according to a recording of a phone call obtained […]

Judge finds ‘Kraken’ election challenge lacking, dismisses lawsuit

By: - December 7, 2020

A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by Trump-affiliated lawyer Sidney Powell seeking to overturn Georgia’s election results for lacking standing, being filed too late and for requesting “the most extraordinary relief ever sought” in an election case. Judge Timothy Batten, appointed by George W. Bush, issued the ruling from the bench Monday morning about […]

Trump attacks election results, rants about Kemp at Georgia rally

By: - December 6, 2020

President Donald Trump on Saturday continued to falsely claim he won Georgia’s electoral votes while blasting the state’s Republican governor and secretary of state for not overturning election results. At his first campaign rally after losing the election, Trump falsely told a crowd of several thousands of supporters in Valdosta, near the Florida border, that […]

Georgia secretary of state touts record early turnout, warns of lines

By: - October 26, 2020

Heading into the final week of in-person early voting, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has two messages for voters: return your absentee ballot and expect longer lines at the polls. At a Monday press conference, the state’s top election official said early voting turnout continues to come in at a record pace. By Monday […]

Battleground Georgia: Joe Biden to visit Atlanta, Warm Springs Tuesday

By: - October 26, 2020

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden is making campaign stops in Georgia one week before Election Day, hoping to capitalize on the state’s changing demographics and surge in early voting turnout to win the state’s 16 electoral votes and both U.S. Senate seats. According to the campaign, the former vice president will deliver remarks in Warm […]

Federal judge dismisses lawsuit over Georgia’s long voting lines

By: - October 13, 2020

A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit challenging long lines at the polls in Georgia for being too vague and not presenting enough evidence that long lines were “all but certain” to occur. Judge Michael Brown issued a 78-page order Tuesday that also denied a request to make several changes to in-person voting for the November election. The plaintiffs, […]