Latest news with #JonBurns
Miami Herald
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Race for control of Georgia state House already in motion
ATLANTA — It's not even 2026, but the race to control the Georgia Houseof Representatives has begun. From a community center in LaGrange to the Chamber of Commerce in Macon to the waters of Lake Lanier, Democratic and Republican leaders are laying the groundwork forhigh stakes campaigning next year. 'For all practical purposes, the 2026 elections are underway,' said state Rep. Carolyn Hugley of Columbus, the Democratic leader in the Georgia House. It takes 91 seats in the House to win the majority. Republicans currently hold 100 seats and have controlled the chamber since the GOP flipped it in 2004. 'House Republicans are laser-focused on building on our success from 2024 and expanding our majority in 2026,' House Speaker Jon Burns, R-Newington, saidin a statement. But Democrats are eyeing this next election cycle to make a comeback. In 2018, the last midterm election during a Donald Trump presidency, Georgia Democrats gained 11 seats in the House. If all 80 Democrats hold their seats, a similar showing would allow them to take control of the chamber. That may be easier said than done. Trump's approval rating has hovered around 45%, butit is higher than it was during his first term in office. Then there is the electoral map, which was drawn by Republicans to help them hold on to their majorities in both the state House and Senate. 'All of the easy seats have already been captured, so every seat that we have from here on out is going to be more and more difficult to win,' Hugley said. The strategy Leaders behind Greater Georgia, a conservative voter registration organization founded by former U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler in 2021, traveled this June to Savannah and Macon to present Gov. Brian Kemp's No. 1 legislative priority: a bill that would limit the kinds of lawsuits people can bring and reduce the hefty verdicts. In Macon, Republican Senate Pro Tem John F. Kennedy explained how Republicans' narrow majority made the civil litigation legislation extremely difficult to pass. Thirty-three of the 56 Georgia senators are Republican, but 'we got a guy that votes no on everything, so we really got 32 on the best day,' Kennedy said, referring to Sen. Colton Moore, a Republican from Trenton. Three Republicans are plaintiff lawyers who had concerns about the ramifications of the legislation on their practice and their clients, and it takes 29 votes to pass a bill, he said. 'That's the challenge we had.' In the Georgia House, the vote was evencloser. Eight Republicans objected to the legislation, along with all but three Democrats. The bill passed by the requisite 91 votes. While Republicans control the maps determining district shapes, it's difficult to carve up metro areas and avoid pockets of Democrats while also meeting constitutional requirements: Each district must be connected, must have equal population under the 'one person, one vote' rule established by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1964, and cannot discriminate on the basis of race. Eager to chip away at Democrats' success with people of color, Greater Georgia also traveled to Stonecrest in DeKalb County, which voted for Democratic nominee Kamala Harris in 2024 with more than 90% of the vote and is 88% Black, according to census data. They met a skeptical audience, but organizers said the point was to build relationships where they historically had not been. Democrats are taking aim at more rural areas that have typically been Republican strongholds but hold promise for future elections. Georgia House Democrats, including Hugley, in May visited LaGrange, Dawson, and Montezuma 'to hear from Georgians who are struggling,' according to the announcement, and learn how lawmakers can better represent their constituents. On the trail The campaigning has already kicked off. A social media advertisement from the Georgia House GOP slammed Democrats for walking out on a vote in April that would ban gender-affirming treatment for transgender prisoners. 'Our conservative majority has consistently delivered real results on the issues that matter most to Georgia voters — from tax cuts and school security to health care and public safety,' Burns said, in the statement. He chided Democrats for hosting Stacey Abrams as a guest speaker at some of their events and said their policies don't resonate with people in Georgia. 'I'm confident it's a message that will resonate at the ballot box next November,' he said. Hugley said House Republicans are scared. 'Obviously the Republicans are concerned that we're talking to the real people of Georgia, and it's unusual for them to have an attack ad this far away from an election,' she said. 'I take it as a compliment that they are taking note of what we're doing, because they don't want real Georgians to hear real time what's going on.' One House Democrat already preparing for 2026 elections said he is focusing his campaign on local issues he can control. 'When people ask me about federal issues, or what is happening with international issues, I'm like, 'Look, I'm more worried about what's happening locally,'' said Farooq Mughal, at his campaign launch event in Dacula this month. Mughal lost his reelection bid for his seat representing the area around Dacula and Buford by just 80 votes in November. Based on lines drawn during the redistricting process, Mughal believes he was at about a 700-vote disadvantage going into his campaign. Mughal said the fact that he came so close told him his message was getting out. This coming election, he thinks he'll have more wind at his back. 'Things are changing. People are not happy with tariffs, with the corporate housing crisis. There are a lot of people who are going to start feeling that pinch,' he said. In addition to preventing Mughal from reclaiming his seat, Republicans are likely to aim their focus on House District 108 in Lilburn, which was a target of Gov. Brian Kemp's to flip last year. State Rep. Jasmine Clark is running to unseat Democratic U.S. Rep. David Scott, leaving her seat up for grabs. They may also explore options in House District 128, a Sandersville seat where Democratic state Rep. Mack Jackson, won by just 48 votes. Republicans could run a formidable candidate, or they may continue trying to convinceJackson, who supported anti-abortion restrictions in 2019 and voted in favor of Kemp's priority legislation this year, to switch parties. Anything could happen between now and then, said state Rep. Scott Hilton of Peachtree Corners, who lost his reelection in 2018 before winning it back in 2020. Although some have speculated Hilton may run for a statewide office, hesaid he's likely to run for reelection in his competitive North Atlanta district. 'A year in politics is a lifetime,' he said. 'Our side is prepared, and we have a great message to share with voters on the campaign trail.' Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
CTV News
20-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
Snapping turtle lays eggs in busy Dartmouth park, prompting conservation efforts
A female snapping turtle has decided to nest in a grassy field at Dartmouth's Shubie Park. A snapping turtle has once again chosen a well-trodden part of Shubie Park in Dartmouth, N.S., to dig her nest – prompting staff and conservation officials to step in and protect the eggs. The turtle was spotted earlier this week digging multiple holes in search of the perfect nesting spot. She eventually laid her eggs and made her way back to a nearby holding pond. 'There was a snapping turtle here on Wednesday,' said Jon Burns, tour guide at the Shubenacadie Canal Commission. 'It dug various different holes, buried the eggs in one, and then made its way over to the pond.' It's not the first time the reptile has chosen the park. Burns said the same turtle nested in the area for the past two years. 'She's kind of become our little mascot,' said Burns. Snapping turtles are considered a species of special concern in Nova Scotia. While not endangered, they are protected, and staff initially attempted to cordon off the nest area before realizing that a permit is required for any such barrier. Officials from a local conservation organization have been contacted and are expected to put a perimeter in place to protect the nest and keep foot traffic at a distance. 'Usually they try to stay away from highly trafficked areas,' said Burns. 'So it's not super common for a turtle to nest here but this one seems to have something it likes.' The turtle laid her eggs in late spring and staff said hatchlings aren't expected until the fall – sometime between 65 and 95 days from the time of nesting. Visitors are encouraged to watch where they step and be mindful of signs of turtle activity, including disturbed soil and filled-in holes. 'There could be more nests in the area,' said Burns. 'They prefer shallow water with soft, muddy bottoms and this park has a lot of that.' The Shubenacadie Canal Commission, which manages the area, said it hopes the site will remain undisturbed until the eggs hatch. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Georgia governor expected to sign 'Riley Gaines Act,' which bans trans athletes from entering girls' sports
The Georgia legislature passed a bill Monday along mostly party lines to prohibit transgender girls – or biological males – from participating in girls' sports. S.B. 1, also known as the "Riley Gaines Act of 2025," requires middle school, high school and college student athletes to compete on sports teams that align with their biological sex. Restrooms, locker rooms and sleeping quarters will also be restricted to only allow biological boys in the spaces designated for boys and biological girls in the spaces designated for girls. Georgia House Passes 'Riley Gaines Act' That Aims To Prohibit Trans Athletes From Competing In Female Sports The bill now heads to Republican Gov. Brian Kemp's desk, and he is expected to sign the legislation. The measure was a priority for House Speaker Jon Burns and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, both of whom are Republicans. "The General Assembly sent a clear message—biological men are not welcome in girls' sports or spaces here in Georgia," Burns said, according to Fox 5 Atlanta. Read On The Fox News App Jones said the General Assembly "made a historic step toward achieving a critical goal for this session, the protection of women's sports," according to the outlet. "I want to thank all of the brave women and girls who shared their personal stories and helped shape this legislation," Jones continued. "Their courage is commendable and ensures that the rights of female athletes are preserved and protected by law. I look forward to standing with Gov. Brian Kemp, Speaker Jon Burns and female athletes with their families around the state when the 'Riley Gaines Act of 2025' is signed into law." The bill is named after Riley Gaines, a former collegiate swimmer who was put into the public spotlight when she criticized the participation of biological males in girls' sports after she competed against Lia Thomas, a transgender swimmer who Gaines and other female athletes were forced to share a locker room with. Controversial Transgender Swimmer Lia Thomas Vows To Fight Trans Athlete Bans Amid National Shift On Issue "Such a tremendous honor. There are few causes more worthy than protecting opportunities for the next generation," Gaines wrote on X after the bill passed the Georgia House and Senate on Monday. More than 25 other states already prohibit biological males from participating in girls' sports. The measure was passed on Transgender Day of Visibility, in which transgender people and their supporters march and hold community gatherings and rallies against legislation targeting LGBTQ+ article source: Georgia governor expected to sign 'Riley Gaines Act,' which bans trans athletes from entering girls' sports
Fox News
01-04-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Georgia governor expected to sign 'Riley Gaines Act,' which bans trans athletes from entering girls' sports
The Georgia legislature passed a bill Monday along mostly party lines to prohibit transgender girls – or biological males – from participating in girls' sports. S.B. 1, also known as the "Riley Gaines Act of 2025," requires middle school, high school and college student athletes to compete on sports teams that align with their biological sex. Restrooms, locker rooms and sleeping quarters will also be restricted to only allow biological boys in the spaces designated for boys and biological girls in the spaces designated for girls. The bill now heads to Republican Gov. Brian Kemp's desk, and he is expected to sign the legislation. The measure was a priority for House Speaker Jon Burns and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, both of whom are Republicans. "The General Assembly sent a clear message—biological men are not welcome in girls' sports or spaces here in Georgia," Burns said, according to Fox 5 Atlanta. Jones said the General Assembly "made a historic step toward achieving a critical goal for this session, the protection of women's sports," according to the outlet. "I want to thank all of the brave women and girls who shared their personal stories and helped shape this legislation," Jones continued. "Their courage is commendable and ensures that the rights of female athletes are preserved and protected by law. I look forward to standing with Gov. Brian Kemp, Speaker Jon Burns and female athletes with their families around the state when the 'Riley Gaines Act of 2025' is signed into law." The bill is named after Riley Gaines, a former collegiate swimmer who was put into the public spotlight when she criticized the participation of biological males in girls' sports after she competed against Lia Thomas, a transgender swimmer who Gaines and other female athletes were forced to share a locker room with. "Such a tremendous honor. There are few causes more worthy than protecting opportunities for the next generation," Gaines wrote on X after the bill passed the Georgia House and Senate on Monday. More than 25 other states already prohibit biological males from participating in girls' sports. The measure was passed on Transgender Day of Visibility, in which transgender people and their supporters march and hold community gatherings and rallies against legislation targeting LGBTQ+ people.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Georgia General Assembly passes bill banning trans athletes from women's sports
The Brief The Georgia General Assembly passed Senate Bill 1, the "Riley Gaines Act of 2025," which bans biological males from participating in women's sports in Georgia. House Speaker Jon Burns and Lt. Governor Burt Jones say the bill protects the integrity and fairness of female athletic competitions. Lt. Governor Jones praised the women and girls who contributed their stories to shape the legislation. The legislation is named after Riley Gaines, who has been very vocal after competing against and sharing a locker room with transgender athlete Lia Thomas. ATLANTA - In a significant legislative move, the Georgia General Assembly has passed Senate Bill 1, known as the "Riley Gaines Act of 2025." This bill, a priority for House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) and Lt. Governor Burt Jones, aims to ban biological males from participating in women's sports across the state. It passed on the same day as people across the country celebrated Trans Day of Visibility. What we know Burns expressed his support for the bill, stating, "The General Assembly sent a clear message—biological men are not welcome in girls' sports or spaces here in Georgia." He went on to say this is about maintaining integrity and fairness for female athletes and thanked the Senate and Riley Gaines for their support in championing this cause. "Today, the Georgia General Assembly made a historic step toward achieving a critical goal for this session, the protection of women's sports," said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. "I want to thank all of the brave women and girls who shared their personal stories and helped shaped this legislation. Their courage is commendable and ensures that the rights of female athletes are preserved and protected by law. I look forward to standing with Governor Brian Kemp, Speaker Jon Burns and female athletes with their families around the state when the 'Riley Gaines Act of 2025' is signed into law." Dig deeper The Riley Gaines Act is named after Riley Gaines, a former collegiate swimmer who has publicly opposed transgender participation in women's sports after competing against and sharing a locker room with transgender swimmer Lia Thomas. Senate Bill 1 is based on findings from the Senate Special Committee on the Protection of Women's Sports, created by Lt. Governor Jones. With its enactment, Georgia would join 26 other states barring trans athletes from girls' and women's sports. For more details on Senate Bill 1, visit the Georgia General Assembly's website. Every year on March 31, people celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility with marches, community gatherings, educational forums, and rallies against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. It was founded in 2009 by trans activist Rachel Crandall-Crocker as the joyous alternative to Transgender Day of Remembrance, a solemn day that honors victims of anti-transgender violence. These days, International Transgender Day of Visibility serves as a platform for highlighting transgender professionals, artists, educators, and activists who are making an impact in their communities. The Source The Georgia General Assembly announced the passage of Senate Bill 1 on March 31, 2025.
