Georgia politics roundup: Legislative session update, how 2026 midterm elections are shaping up

The Gold Dome of the Georgia State Capitol and a portrait of reporter Rahul Bali on the top right
WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali returned to "Closer Look" to discuss the latest news from the state capitol. (Brenna Beech/WABE)

In Washington, resignations and retirements are leaving four Republican-held U.S. House seats in Georgia up for grabs this year. This all comes as local state lawmakers in Georgia are convening for the 2026 legislative session.

On Thursday’s edition of “Closer Look,” WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali returned to talk about the latest news from Georgia State Capitol.

First, Bali talked with host Rose Scott about Republican Georgia U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk’s decision not to run for reelection, what it could mean for Democrats in Georgia, as well as how it could impact the midterm elections.