Sunday Solutions — Jan. 11, 2026
Good morning! The Georgia General Assembly is back in session Monday morning. But before we all go there, we have news of the 2026 race for governor and of a special election in McIntosh that could shape the future of its Gullah Geechee community. We leave you today with several think pieces about how gardening grows not only plants but also community. Dig in!
ANALYSIS: POLITICS
Dems aim for governor’s office
Seven Democrats running for the gubernatorial nomination in Georgia gathered last week in Savannah for the first candidate forum ahead of the May 19 primary. The candidates are eager to end the GOP’s domination of state executive offices, as The Current GA‘s Craig Nelson reports. The candidates seldom challenged each other over their diagnoses of the state’s ills or their proposed solutions. This was no gloves-off debate, but expect that to change in the weeks ahead, as pressure on the candidates to distinguish themselves from their rivals builds.
Why social media matters
For years, politicians have taken to social media to talk straight at potential voters, bypassing traditional media who might offer fact-checks, hard questions or context.
These social media monologues are the only way to get any comment from some of our top public officials. That’s where politics reporter Craig Nelson turned to understand how Georgia’s top officials and candidates reacted to the U.S. raid on Venezuela this month. Read his coverage and check the links to see your representatives’ social feeds.
— Maggie Lee
NEWS: GOVERNING
Hogg Hummock zoning referendum
More than 600 residents have cast ballots in early voting ahead of the Jan. 20 McIntosh County special election that is moving forward after a long court battle between county officials and advocates for the last Gullah Geechee community on a Georgia barrier island. But the path forward for Sapelo residents remains unclear, as The Current GA‘s Mary Landers reports. County officials assert that a “yes” vote would result in no limits on building size in Hogg Hummock, where descendants of West Africans enslaved on the island live. Gullah Geechee supporters reject this interpretation and are calling on the county commission to protect this rare coastal community.
NOTES: LEGISLATURE
It’s here: The 2026 General Assembly
Here we go! If you’re watching to see what your elected officials are doing, adjust your focus to Atlanta starting Monday. The Current GA will be following issues and information that impacts Coastal Georgia. If you want to get ahead and inside on some of the processes and traditions in the state legislature head to our continuing series, Legislature 101, where reporter Maggie Lee breaks down what you may see there. Here’s the link to get in the groove. Bookmark it because we’ll be adding to it all session.
And, it’s your last day to share your priorities with your elected officials. They work for you, so they need to know. Weigh in on our annual survey and we’ll let them hear your choices and follow up with what they actually do.
And we’re back!
We’re bringing back the news quiz, and we’ll start small this week to get you in the groove. Test your news knowledge with a few short questions related to stories we published recently. We’ll track winners and leaders over time, so be sure to fill out the form completely to get the credit you earn.
Make sure you compete every week and leave your name for a chance to win an exclusive prize from The Current GA!
EXPLAINER: ENVIRONMENT
Water conversations flow
In the past year, the development of the Hyundai metaplant and the closure of International Paper plants in Coastal Georgia elevated discussions about water and water planning. The Current GA‘s Mary Landers looks at how the 27-member Coastal Georgia Regional Water Planning Council is looking more closely at who’s drinking and using the area’s water from rivers, creeks and the aquifer and the balance the development decisions now require. Read it here to get a picture of the current situation as the water supply gets more scrutiny and challenges.
EXPLAINER: COMMUNITY
☕ Your second cup: Gardening & neighborhoods
The nonprofit news site dedicated to food and food policy Civil Eats has a great lineup this week, including this history piece on why gardening in communal or “wasted” space brings communities together. It’s an interview with an environmental historian about gardens, activism and sustainability for all. In this divided time, it turns out that growing things together is always a good step toward common ground. Read it here. Now let’s get those spring seeds started …
Dems aim to end 27-year gubernatorial losing streak
By Craig Nelson
Seven Democrats running for the party’s gubernatorial nomination gathered for the year’s first candidate forum in Savannah, highlighting the need to address affordable housing and Medicaid, while also taking on President Donald Trump.
As McIntosh votes on zoning, Sapelo’s future is unclear
By Mary Landers
McIntosh residents are voting in a referendum to repeal a 2023 zoning amendment that would double the allowable house size on the island, which supporters believe would force out the descendants of enslaved West Africans in favor of wealthy newcomers.
Georgia Democrats align on key issues at Savannah forum
By Margaret Coker
Seven Democratic candidates vying to become Governor of Georgia addressed Coastal Georgia voters in the first major policy forum of the election year, with each promising to expand Medicaid, affordable housing, and free technical training and community college.
Update: Georgia DNR probes fatal shooting during hog hunt on Cumberland Island
By Mary Landers
A fatal shooting occurred during a managed hunt on Cumberland Island and the Georgia DNR is investigating.
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