After bursting onto the scene as the newest swing state just a few years ago, Georgia will be a top battleground in next year's midterms up and down the ballot. Joining us on this week's episode of The Downballot podcast is Charlie Bailey, the new chair of the Georgia Democratic Party, to share his insights on 2026. Bailey tells us about the most critical tasks he faces in building up the party and shines a spotlight on key races—including the "full-on MAGAthon" he expects to see consume Republicans.

Co-hosts David Nir and David Beard also dive into the huge election in Omaha on Tuesday night, which saw Democrats win the mayor's office for the first time since 2009. The race offers a smart playbook for Democrats seeking to fight back against transphobic GOP attacks. It also serves as a warning sign for Republicans as they try to protect a vulnerable House seat in the area next year.

At long, long, long last, Republicans have abandoned their effort to overturn the election for North Carolina's Supreme Court—which took place all the way back in November. We've closely followed every twist and turn, so naturally we're exploring what it all means, both for Democrats and democracy, on this week's episode of The Downballot podcast.

And joining us as our guest is Matt Hildreth, executive director of Rural Organizing, who tells us how Democrats can actually succeed in rural areas—and the common pitfalls they face. Hildreth says that "the messenger matters more than the message" and emphasizes two huge issues of overriding importance to rural voters: housing and child care. He also explains how Donald Trump's tariffs, which are disproportionately impacting farmers, create an opening for Democrats this year and next.

The Virginia GOP is in the midst of a meltdown after the state's governor demanded a fellow Republican running for lieutenant governor quit the race—even though he's the only candidate running. We're examining the mess on this week's episode of The Downballot podcast, as well as another big story out of the Old Dominion: longtime Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly's retirement and what it means for his perch atop the House Oversight Committee.

The Davids also dive deep into their favorite topic—North Carolina politics—with Rob Schofield, editor of the invaluable NC Newsline. Schofield explains how his organization grew to fill a gap left by vanishing traditional media and shares his insights on all the major stories unfolding in his home state. On the docket: Gov. Josh Stein's unusually placid relationship with GOP lawmakers; Justice Allison Riggs' unusual post-election campaign for public support; and Sen. Thom Tillis' unusual start in politics. You're sensing the theme for this most unusual of states!