Originally posted by MCO Group on August 21, 2026

01. Ossoff Opens Seven-Point Senate Lead

An InsiderAdvantage poll sponsored by the conservative-leaning James Magazine Online that surveyed 800 likely Georgia voters showed Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff at 50%, Republican Rep. Mike Collins at 43%, and 7% undecided. Collins must improve with women and younger voters while national Republicans decide how heavily to invest.

02. Georgia Governor's Race Tied

The same survey finds Republican Rick Jackson and Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms tied at 46%, with 8% undecided. Ticket-splitting is the central strategic variable: the poll suggests that some voters currently favor Ossoff for Senate but are not automatically supporting Bottoms for governor. Kemp's political organization, endorsements, fundraising network, and economic record could therefore become decisive assets for Jackson. Data centers are also entering this campaign. Bottoms recently supported a pause on development, illustrating how utility costs, water use, land use, and local control could become wedge issues in the governor's race. 

03. OpenAI's Georgia Power Contract Receives Additional Scrutiny

The Georgia Public Service Commission's review of Georgia Power's proposed contract serving OpenAI's planned Effingham County campus was extended to August 26. The review occurs under the commission's rule requiring advance submission of new data-center contracts exceeding 100 megawatts. The project is reportedly valued at $20 billion, is expected to begin operating in 2028, and could require 3.2 gigawatts delivered in phases through 2032.

Separately, Atlanta moved to establish a Data Center Task Force. The immediate pressure points are:

Cost allocation: Whether residential and small-business customers are insulated from generation and transmission costs.

Contract transparency: Much of the OpenAI agreement reportedly remains redacted.

Resource planning: The size of the load raises questions about generation, grid reliability, water, and natural-gas infrastructure.

Local authority: Municipalities and counties are considering task forces, moratoria, and zoning restrictions.

Election-year politics: Candidates are beginning to differentiate themselves on whether Georgia should accelerate, regulate, or pause new projects. 

04. Transportation Funding Opportunities

On August 17, Georgia DOT opened a new application window for federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) funding. Eligible applicants include cities, counties, transit agencies, regional transportation authorities, metropolitan planning organizations, and other transportation-related public entities. Eligible projects include roundabouts, intersection improvements, traffic-signal systems, intelligent transportation systems, and other projects that reduce congestion or emissions. Applicants generally need a 20% local match. In the previous combined funding round, GDOT selected 40 projects for approximately $74.1 million in CMAQ and Transportation Alternatives funding.

Meanwhile, 15 participants completed the second cohort of Building Georgia, a statewide initiative by GDOT, the Atlanta Regional Commission, and the Technical College System that prepares workers for careers in highway maintenance, construction, right-of-way, equipment maintenance, and related infrastructure. Local governments should screen eligible projects immediately and secure matching funds before the application window closes. For contractors and employers, the workforce announcement underscores the state's effort to address labor constraints associated with Georgia's infrastructure program. 

05. Kemp Announces Hall County Manufacturing Project

The Kemp administration announced on August 17 that Cirkla will create 140 jobs in Hall County, reinforcing three established Kemp themes: advanced manufacturing, job creation outside Atlanta's core, and Georgia's ability to attract international and supply-chain investment. Hall County's continued growth will also increase pressure on transportation capacity, utilities, housing, and workforce development.