The Georgia Hour, episode 62: Full Episode, April 17, 2025

Josh McKoon, Georgia Republican Party (GOP) Chairman, orchestrated a power grab by seeking control over the 7th, 9th, and 11th districts in North Georgia, the heart of the state’s Republican vote, ahead of the GOP convention where a chairman will be elected. McKoon’s influence is “near martial law,” he manipulates the state committee, nominating committee, to favor loyalists like Salleigh Grubbs, Betsy Kramer, Suzi Voyles, and Caroline Jeffords, while sidelining conservatives such as Lisa Pierce and Kylie Kremer. This consolidation is seen as an attempt to dictate the convention’s outcome and suppress grassroots voices.
In the 7th district, McKoon backs Zappendorf, a close ally of Marci McCarthy, over conservative Richard Jordan. In the 9th district, he supports Stephen Aaron, whose political stances raise doubts, against Brian Parker, who raised $35,000 for Fani Willis indictees. In the 11th district, McKoon opposes chair David Oles, a constitutionalist who defended BKP during a party dispute, favoring Melanie Collier, dubbed a “McKoonette.” These moves aim to secure leadership loyal to McKoon, undermining conservative principles.
McKoon is also accused of rigging the nominating process for key party roles, including first vice chair, second vice chair, treasurer, secretary, and assistant secretary, by hand-picking candidates and offering deals, such as convincing Ja’Quon to exit a race for a photo opportunity and advisory role for the chairman. Highlighting McKoon’s use of financial influence, noting Caroline Jeffords’ fundraising and a “Josh McKoon for Georgia” campaign fund, alongside an alleged “enemies list” to target opponents like Oles. His refusal to associate with Harrison Floyd, a Fani Willis indictee, contrasts with his alleged strategic use of Ja’Quon for optics.
Concurrently, calls are mounting for Governor Brian Kemp to veto HB268 (school security) and SB144 (roundup bill) due to concerns raised during the legislative session. Kemp, recently meeting with Senators John Thune and Tim Scott, is eyed as a 2026 Senate contender against Jon Ossoff. With Holy Week and post-legislative vacations setting the stage, McKoon’s actions are likened to a “swamp” that conservatives like Oles, Jordan, and Parker seek to drain, with major developments expected soon.