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CANTON, GA – As Cherokee County voters prepare to head to the polls tomorrow in the special election for Georgia State Senate District 21, questions are swirling about Republican candidate Brice Futch's true allegiance to conservative values and his adopted home state. Despite portraying himself as a homegrown Georgian with "deep roots" in the community, research obtained by Metro Republican News reveals that Futch is anything but a lifelong Peach State resident. Originally hailing from Florida, Futch spent years in New York before relocating to Mexico in 2017 and only arriving in Georgia in August 2018 – just in time to potentially make a difference in a pivotal election, but choosing to sit it out instead. Futch's move to Canton in late 2018 came amid claims of building a life here, including registering his business, Futch Communications, LLC, with the Georgia Secretary of State on August 20 of that year. Yet, despite having ample opportunity to register to vote by the October 9 deadline, Futch failed to do so for the 2018 general election. That year, conservatives across Georgia were locked in a fierce battle to elect Brian Kemp as governor against radical Democrat Stacey Abrams, whose agenda threatened traditional values on everything from election integrity to Second Amendment rights. Futch, however, stayed on the sidelines, leaving America First patriots and Christian conservatives to fight without him. This pattern of absenteeism isn't new. Records show no voting history for Futch in Florida or New York during his time there, including the critical 2016 presidential election where Donald Trump faced off against Hillary Clinton. When the MAGA movement needed every vote to secure a victory against the Clinton machine, Futch was nowhere to be found in the voter rolls. Fast forward to 2024, and the story repeats: Despite being registered in Georgia, Futch skipped the Republican presidential preference primary, refusing to cast a ballot for President Trump. Now, as Futch campaigns for the state senate seat, promising to champion conservative causes like opposing gambling expansion and protecting the unborn from abortion extremism, local voters are rightfully skeptical. "If we can't count on him to show up at the ballot box when it mattered most, how can we trust him to stand firm in the legislature?" asked Sarah Jenkins, a longtime Cherokee County resident and homeschooling mother of three. "We've seen too many politicians talk a big game on life and family values, only to fold under pressure. Brice's track record makes me wonder if he'll be there when the chips are down." Echoing those concerns, local farmer and veteran Tom Harlan expressed shaken confidence in Futch's reliability. "I served my country because I believe in showing up for what's right," Harlan said. "But this guy moved here from up North and didn't bother voting against Abrams. He didn’t even vote for President Trump! Now he wants our vote? It feels like he's just another carpetbagger looking for power, not someone who's earned our trust on issues like stopping the gambling lobby or defending pro-life laws." Other residents pointed to Futch's anti-Trump rhetoric from 2016-2018, documented in social media posts where he criticized the former president, as further evidence of his opportunism. While his campaign now touts "Trump-aligned" credentials, critics argue it's a convenient flip-flop to appeal to District 21's staunchly conservative base. "When America First needed him, he left us hanging," added Jenkins. "Cherokee County deserves a senator who fights for us every time, not just when it's politically expedient." Adding fuel to the fire are recent revelations about Futch's campaign spending, which raise serious questions about his stewardship of donor dollars – particularly from Christian supporters who expected their hard-earned contributions to fund a genuine conservative fighter. Campaign disclosures show repeated expenditures on trivia nights at the Canton Cigar Club, where Futch reportedly used supporters' money to sip bourbon and puff cigars with his friends. These outings, billed as "networking" or "community events," smack of personal indulgence rather than strategic campaigning, leaving many to wonder if Futch views the campaign trail as a social club funded by others. Even more eyebrow-raising is Futch's nearly $1,000 expenditure on a trip to Louisville, Kentucky, over Memorial Day weekend in May 2025. Despite the hefty price tag – covered by campaign funds – no public records or explanations detail any campaign-related activities during the visit. Was it a legitimate effort to advance conservative causes, or just another excursion on his supporters' dime? Voters are asking for transparency, especially when funds could have been directed toward grassroots efforts. Compounding these concerns are Futch's repeated statements that his primary political objective is to eventually win Rep. Barry Loudermilk's congressional seat, paving the way to Washington, D.C., where he could cash in on a six-figure salary and generous expense account. Sources close to the campaign say Futch has openly discussed this ambition in private gatherings for years, framing his state senate run as a mere stepping stone to federal perks rather than a heartfelt commitment to Georgia's values. One donor, a church employee who asked to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal on social media, expressed deep disappointment after reviewing Futch's campaign disclosures. "As a church employee, I gave what I could because I thought Brice would be a conservative fighter for us – standing up for life, family, and faith," the donor said. "But seeing how he's spent our money on cigar lounges, bourbon, and unexplained trips? It feels like a betrayal. We entrusted him with our hard-earned money, expecting him to battle the left, not live it up with his buddies." With election day tomorrow, August 26, 2025, voters in Cherokee County are urged to make their voices heard in this special election for Senate District 21 and the Board of Commissioners District 1. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. To find your assigned polling precinct, visit the Georgia My Voter Page at https://mvp.sos.ga.gov or check the Cherokee County Elections website at https://cherokeegavotes.com/election-day-2/ for more details. As the race tightens, Futch's supporters are increasingly frustrated by these revelations, viewing him now as an unreliable insider despite his "outsider" claims. Ties to political action groups like Stand for Georgia Values and fellowships with organizations such as Club for Growth only reinforce the narrative that he's more connected to the establishment than he lets on. For conservative voters prioritizing steadfast leadership on gambling, abortion, and election security, tomorrow's choice could define the district's future.

A scandal involving an alleged massive Ponzi scheme that’s centered around right-wing Georgia businessman Brant Frost IV is threatening to roil Republican Party chapters across the country. Georgia’s Republican secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, issued subpoenas Monday as part of his investigation into the alleged scheme. In July, the Securities and Exchange Commission alleged that a Ponzi scheme had been run out of an investment firm Frost launched called First Liberty Building & Loan. SEC investigators allege that approximately 300 investors were bilked out of at least $140 million and that about $17 million went toward personal expenses for Frost and his family, including more than $2.4 million in credit card payments and more than $570,000 in political donations. Frost apologized last month, saying in a statement: “I take full responsibility for my actions and am resolved to spend the rest of my life trying to repay as much as I can to the many people I misled and let down.” His actions have sent ripples through the Republican Party. Frost’s son, Brant Frost V, promoted First Liberty to conservatives on right-wing media — such as Real America’s Voice — and has since stepped down from his post as head of a GOP county chapter in metro Atlanta. And there’s a push underway to determine which conservatives and right-wing causes benefited from First Liberty’s contributions. Last month, Raffensperger called on politicians who received donations to return them: Now is the time for every elected official, candidate or political action committee who received financial support from this entity currently under investigation to stand up and help the victims. Ill-gotten gains do not belong in the State Capitol. A recent investigation by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution found that the money reached beyond Georgia and into states nationwide. The AJC reported that House Speaker Mike Johnson and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis were among those who received donations, though the newspaper noted that it’s “not clear which contributions were paid with investors’ money.” The Georgia Recorder reported that other high-profile Republicans — such as Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado and then-Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida — received contributions from First Liberty in last year’s election cycle. (Johnson, DeSantis, Boebert and Gaetz did not immediately respond to MSNBC’s requests for comment.) According to the Recorder, some people in Georgia have returned money they received to a court-appointed receiver, including Gov. Brian Kemp, whose donations appear to have come before the alleged scheme began, and Raffensperger. The receiver, Gregory Hays, basically said the scheme was meant to exploit right-wing Christians’ generosity toward like-minded causes: “We call these affinity frauds, where you base it on a certain group, and this is very religious Christians and Republicans,” said Gregory Hays of Atlanta-based Hays Financial Consulting, who was appointed by a U.S. district court judge to receive the money from those returning the funds. “So most of all the victims are either in politics or very faith-based investors, and all of them that I talked to were influenced by the charitable giving and the feel-good side of the company.” Several officials in neighboring Alabama have returned campaign contributions, as well. Given how expansive these donations appear to have been, the list of such politicians seems likely to grow in the coming weeks and months.

CANTON, Ga. — Door-to-door canvassers supporting Steve West have drawn sharp criticism after allegedly distributing debunked materials and engaging in confrontational tactics while urging residents to vote against rival candidate Jason Dickerson. The incidents unfolded this week in neighborhoods across Canton, where volunteers handed out copies of a 20-year-old police report that accused Dickerson of a crime. The report, which was reported by Peach Pundit as later being debunked , has been a point of contention in the heated race for the state senate seat. Residents described the canvassers as persistent and, in some cases, aggressive. In one reported altercation, a young female door-knocker allegedly placed her foot in a homeowner's doorway to prevent it from closing after the resident expressed support for Dickerson and dismissed the claims in the report. According to the homeowner, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to safety concerns, the canvasser attempted to force the printed document into the home, insisting the resident "read it for himself." The homeowner's wife intervened, pushing the canvasser's foot out of the doorway, allowing the couple to shut and lock the door. Shortly after, the canvassers fled the scene. Residents say they are now monitoring the area for similar activity, with a focus on identifying the female staffer involved in the Canton altercation. The episode has left some homeowners rattled. Later that day, the same couple hesitated to answer a knock from a neighbor, fearing it might be the canvassers returning. "It shook us up," the homeowner said. "You don't expect politics to come crashing into your home like that." The West campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the allegations. Representatives for the American Made Independent Committee, a political action group supporting West, also declined to comment. Dickerson's campaign condemned the tactics in a statement, calling them "a desperate attempt to smear a dedicated public servant with outdated and discredited lies." Dickerson, a longtime community advocate, has emphasized transparency and positive campaigning in his bid for the senate seat. As the election approaches, the incident has amplified concerns about the tone of the race. Residents in Canton, a suburb north of Atlanta known for its tight-knit communities, expressed dismay over what they view as escalating dirty politics. "This kind of aggressive, underhanded stuff is just distasteful," said Ann Donavan, a 73-year-old retired teacher who lives in the affected neighborhood. "We're supposed to be neighbors here. Steve West's team crossing that line has really turned people off—it's like they're willing to bully their way to a win." Republican activist Sarah Logan, 38, added: "Dirty politics like this erodes trust in the whole process. People are afraid to open their doors now, and that's not how democracy should work. West's aggressive tactics have backfired—even his own supporters are looking for alternatives because of it." The special election for Senate District 21 is this Tuesday, August 26th. Early voting ends tomorrow.

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Geoff Duncan, who recently made national headlines when he switched political parties, has confirmed he is considering making a Georgia gubernatorial run. “We’re thinking about it,” Duncan said in an exclusive interview with On The Record With Atlanta News First , which airs Sunday, Aug. 24, at 11 a.m. “We haven’t made any firm decisions. “There are issues after issues that I’ve got a track record of wanting to work on. I’m going to be honest and authentic and certainly I’m going to be a more moderate individual than probably other folks that are going to run for governor in 2026, if that’s a decision we make.” If Duncan does enter the race, he would join five other Democrats who are seeking their party’s gubernatorial nomination: former state Labor Commissioner and DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond ; state Sen. Jason Esteves ; state Rep. Derrick Jackson ; former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms ; and businessman/pastor Olu Brown . All are minority candidates with strong ties to Atlanta. Earlier this month, Duncan - who had already been expelled from the Georgia GOP - said he has officially joined the Democratic Party of Georgia. Duncan’s party switch comes in a state that President Donald Trump lost in 2020 by only a few thousand votes, and one that he handily returned to the GOP column in 2024 on his way to an unprecedented return to the White House. Duncan was Georgia’s 12th lieutenant governor, serving from 2019-23; he chose not to run for reelection in 2024, which cleared the way for then-state Sen. Burt Jones to ascend to office. Jones is now running for Georgia governor , seeking to succeed the term-limited Brian Kemp in next year’s nationally watched gubernatorial election.  Source: This story is from Atlanta News First's reporting.

BUTTS COUNTY, Ga. - Rep. Mike Collins officially launched his U.S. Senate campaign with a rally in Butts County on Tuesday night, aiming to unseat Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff in next year’s election. What they're saying: He did so by emphasizing his allegiance to President Trump and conservative values, while attacking incumbent Sen. Jon Ossoff as an out-of-touch liberal. "Y'all, I am unapologetically pro-God, pro-Trump, pro-Second Amendment," Collins told the crowd of about 150 in a Jackson barn-style event hall. "Jon Ossoff doesn't relate to the average Georgians. I mean, he's a trust fund kid. He's never had a real job," Collins said. What they're saying: Collins is hoping to court Trump voters, emphasizing the passage of the Laken Riley Act, which he co-sponsored and was the first bill signed into law by President Donald Trump in his second term. "There is simply no one else in this race who deserves to be in the U.S. Senate more than Mike Collins. He is someone who says what he means, means what he says, and actually delivers results that matter," the couple said. Sen. Ossoff was among the 12 Democrats in the senate who voted for the act. At Collins' rally, Butts County Sheriff Gary Long also spoke in support of Collins, pointing to concerns over immigration enforcement. "One of my deputies stopped a car on the interstate. It was three illegals. It's not been that long ago. They all three had deportation orders, and they were trafficking in illegal narcotics," Sheriff Gary Long said. The other side: A group of Georgia Democrats protested Collins' candidacy outside his district office in Monroe on Monday. They argue that Collins would take away social services. "As Mike Collins’ constituents, we’ve seen firsthand how he’s voted to rip away affordable health care, undermine our rural hospitals, gut jobs and jeopardize our economy," said Gareth Finley, a Democratic activist, in a statement emailed by a state party spokesperson. "We’re doing everything possible to let other Georgians know that he cannot be trusted anywhere near the United States Senate." Meanwhile, Governor Brian Kemp has endorsed Derek Dooley, one of Collins’ Republican competitors. FOX 5's Rob DiRienzo saw Georgia Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones quietly attend Collins’ campaign launch, but he said he was not ready to endorse anyone in the race. What's next: Collins joins three other Republicans who hope to defeat Sen. Ossoff next year: Activist Reagan Box, Rep. Buddy Carter, and former football coach Derek Dooley. Before Collins could face off against Ossoff, he must win the Republican primary in May. President Trump's endorsement would likely dramatically reshape the course of the race. Meanwhile, Collins' supporters called on party insiders to rally the base around him. "I invite you to call it Buddy and this guy named Dooley and say, 'Hey, I see what you're doing, but you'd be better off in our camp because this is a winning camp,'" Trump advisor Bruce Levell said to the crowd.  The Source: This article is based on original reporting by FOX 5’s Rob DiRienzo who attended the Rally on Tuesday.

Back in 2015, Tea Party leader Carolyn Cosby filed a formal ethics complaint accusing West of cutting “sweetheart deals” for Cowart Mulch Products, which ended up with a lucrative county contract. She alleged West failed to report donations tied to the company. https://patch.com/georgia/canton-ga/steve-west-cosbys-allegations-have-no-merit Follow the money and you’ll see why Steve West does what he does. His Senate campaign isn’t fueled by grassroots conservatives. It’s bankrolled by big developers and contractors: Jacklett LLC, Ballantry PMC Belmont LLC, PB&J Contractors, Cowart Mulch Products, HRF LLC, and more. In fact, West is known to have a weekly breakfast with his Developer handlers, of course, outside of his district in Forsyth County. Weirdly enough, Forsyth County, outside of his district, is littered with West campaign signs. Huh? https://efile.ethics.ga.gov/ReportsOutput/103/105b3ffb-4aef-4479-a648-d396466155de.pdf Realtors, property investors, and political insiders are maxing out their contributions. Meanwhile, small-dollar grassroots donations are almost nonexistent. West spent tens of thousands on Endeavor Strategic Advisors for digital ads, polling, and fundraising events. He dumped over $40,000 into one consultant firm for glossy mailers, yard signs, and banners flooding Cherokee and Forsyth neighborhoods. A developer friendly consulting firm that is known for backing candidates that are pro-growth, and anti-constituent. West’s greed knows no limits. [Georgia Campaign Finance Reports, 2025](https://efile.ethics.ga.gov/#/expenditures/search) This isn’t a people’s movement — it’s a corporate-funded, consultant-driven campaign. Funded by Developers, fueled by shady consultants and political operatives, West campaign is a classic pro-special interest machine. Steve West wants to call himself a conservative. But his record shows he’s a developer’s ally, not a defender of families. From shady ethics complaints to PAC-funded smear campaigns, West has proven time and again that he’ll serve the interests of big money over the people who trusted him. Conservative, Christian, and America First voters should reject Steve West — because he’s not one of us. He’s theirs. More revelations to come…  Source: Originally reported by Concerned Citizens for Cherokee

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BP) — Thomas Hammond, executive director of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board , and the GBMB's public affairs representative, Mike Griffin, were among 40 Southern Baptist state executives, officers, and public policy leaders that signed on to a letter encouraging President Donald Trump to take “immediate action” in stopping the mail-order distribution of the abortifacient mifepristone. The letter, sent on July 28, points out that over 60 percent of U.S. abortions come about through the use of mifepristone, which can be mailed to those living in pro-life states. In 2017, 39 percent of abortions came from pills. That figure jumped to 53 percent in 2020 as COVID shutdowns pushed the usage of telehealth options. A year after the 2022 Dobbs decision, chemical abortions had risen to 63 percent of all cases. The letter is also signed by Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council. “While the number of abortions briefly declined following the Dobbs decision, overall abortion rates have since increased, driven largely by the previous administration’s lax policies on mifepristone and the expansion of mail-order access, which remain in place,” it read. “Shield laws in pro-abortion states now protect providers who illegally ship mifepristone into prolife states, in direct violation of federal law and the spirit of Dobbs.” The signers said they were “deeply grateful” for the president’s “unwavering defense of the unborn” during his first term. Now, they request three steps: Restore and strengthen Food and Drug Administration safety protocols for Mifepristone, including ultrasound requirements. Direct the FDA to reevaluate the drug’s approval. Instruct the Department of Justice to enforce the Comstock Act to protect the rights of states’ pro-life laws. The Comstock Act was established in 1873 and bans the mailing of obscene materials as well as “every article or thing designed … for producing abortion[s].” The administration of President Joe Biden chose to interpret the act as narrowly as possible, allowing the use of abortions through the mail to expand, reported The Washington Stand. The letter itself pointed to “abortionist Margaret Carpenter, who shipped abortion pills to Louisiana and Texas, [and] illustrates this growing threat. Yet governors like New York’s Kathy Hochul refuse extradition and enact new laws to further shield violators.” Pro-life advocates say the adverse effects of Mifepristone are grossly underreported . A report in April stated that the number of women suffering adverse reactions could be as much as 22 times higher than previously revealed. Southern Baptists responded to that news, too. “[W]hat we now know is that the abortion rights movement was using a very small sample of outdated information and was pressing politically on the powers that be, especially after the Dobbs decision, to legalize medication abortion, the abortion pill, out of the declaration that the nation faced an abortion and health care emergency,” said Southern Seminary President Al Mohler on the findings by the Ethics and Public Policy Center, based in Washington, D.C. Mifepristone was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2000.  Source: This story from the Baptist Press was reprinted in the Christian Index.