Republican state Rep. Houston Gaines is only 30 years old, and he’s running for a U.S. House seat.

If he wins, he’d succeed U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, who is among several Republicans running for U.S. Senate.

“Your job is to go and deliver for your community,” said Gaines, who first took office in 2019.

Atlanta Journal-Constitution journalists Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy and Tia Mitchell talked to the Athens-based lawmaker on Wednesday’s episode of the “Politically Georgia” podcast.

Gaines outlined why he’s running for Congress and his record on immigration, public safety and parental leave. He also addressed why affordability is the issue he hears about most from voters.

Later in the episode, Murphy shares her reporting from the campaign trail in Columbus with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jason Esteves.

New episodes of the “Politically Georgia” podcast are available every week wherever you get your podcasts. If you haven’t yet, be sure to subscribe for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify or any other podcast platform. You can also ask your smart speaker to “play the ‘Politically Georgia’ podcast.”

Have a question or comment for the hosts? Call the 24-hour “Politically Georgia” podcast hotline at 770-810-5297.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Voters leave the Wills Park Recreation Center in Alpharetta, Ga., on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.  (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

Featured

Managing Partner at Atlantica Properties, Darion Dunn (center) talks with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens during a tour following the ribbon cutting of Waterworks Village as part of the third phase of the city’s Rapid Housing Initiative on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
(Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez