Georgia
Raffensperger sues to overturn Georgia fundraising limits, says law gives Lt. Gov. Burt Jones unfair advantage
Georgia’s secretary of state is taking his fight over campaign money to federal court, and the outcome could reshape one of the state’s most-watched statewide races.
Brad Raffensperger filed a lawsuit this week challenging Georgia’s campaign-finance structure, arguing the current rules create an uneven playing field that benefits one candidate in particular: Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who is already campaigning for governor and raising millions through a special leadership committee.
The issue centers on a 2021 law that allows certain top officeholders, including the governor and lieutenant governor, to raise unlimited funds through these committees. Those accounts can coordinate directly with campaigns and do not face the $8,400 contribution caps placed on traditional candidate committees.
Raffensperger, who is exploring a run for governor himself, says that distinction violates the Constitution.
He isn’t asking the court to shut down leadership committees. Instead, he wants every candidate to have the same ability to raise unlimited funds — essentially lifting the caps for all campaigns.
A fundraising gap already shaping the 2026 race
Jones’ leadership committee has become one of the most powerful fundraising vehicles in Georgia politics, hauling in more than $14 million as he campaigns statewide.
Previous lawsuits have challenged the same law, including by former U.S. Sen. David Perdue, with mixed results. And earlier this year, a judge dismissed Attorney General Chris Carr’s attempt to block Jones from using his committee, keeping the current system intact.
That decision cleared the path for Jones to continue raising unlimited cash while potential challengers remain capped.
What Raffensperger wants and what could change
If Raffensperger wins, Georgia’s political landscape could shift dramatically:
- Every candidate for statewide office could raise unlimited money.
- Leadership committees may lose their outsized influence.
- Donors and campaigns would need to rethink spending strategies ahead of the 2026 primaries.
If he loses, the existing system — and Jones’ advantage — stays in place.
Election-law experts say Georgia’s framework is one of the most aggressive in the country when it comes to allowing unlimited coordination between leadership committees and campaigns.
A lawsuit with political stakes beyond 2026
The suit arrives at a moment when Georgia continues to be a national battleground for political fundraising, dark-money operations and election reform. It also signals Raffensperger’s growing willingness to challenge the Republican establishment, a posture that has defined much of his tenure since the 2020 election.
A court date has not yet been set. But any ruling will have immediate consequences for the 2026 governor’s race and the balance of political power at the state Capitol.
CBS News Atlanta will continue to follow this lawsuit as new filings and rulings emerge.
Georgia is being invaded by tegu lizards that are taking over the state
Argentine black and white tegus have not been a threat to humans and common household pets, but do pose a danger to native species.
USA TODAY
Georgians pride themselves on Southern hospitality, but there’s one animal that’s overstayed its welcome.
The state department of natural resources and its partners are working hard to remove the Argentine tegus trying to build a home here.
What is a tegu?
The tegu is a large, invasive, commonly black and white lizard from Argentina. They can grow up to 4 feet long and weighing 10 pounds or more, according to Georgia Wildlife. Unlike some other lizards, the tegu rarely climbs more than a few feet off the ground, but they are strong swimmers.
From late fall and through the winter months, tegus head into burrows for brumation, a hibernation-type period, to avoid freezing temperatures. They usually breed in the spring and typically lay 35 eggs per year which have a 60-day incubation. They may live up to 20 years.
What does a tegu look like?
The Argentine tegu has mottled black and white skin. The colors are often arranged into a banding pattern across the back and tail. Hatchlings display similar markings, but typically have bright green heads. The green fades after they reach about one month of age.
Where have tegus been reported in Georgia?
The University of Georgia runs an interactive map with detailed info about tegus in Georgia. Over the last few years, there have been 56 reports spread out across counties across the state. Here are the counties with the most reports:
- Tattnall County: 16
- Toombs County: 10
- Gwinnett County: 5
Are tegus dangerous?
Although not considered aggressive toward people, tegus will defend themselves if threatened, according to Georgia Wildlife. They can react fast and lash with their tails. They also have sharp teeth and claws and strong jaws.
Tegus also represent a natural threat because they have few predators and can multiple quickly. They eat the eggs of ground-nesting birds—including quail and turkeys—and other reptiles like the American alligator and gopher tortoise which are protected species. They will also eat chicken eggs, fruit, vegetables, plants, pet food, carrion and small live animals.
Can you kill a tegu if you see it?
Tegus can be trapped or killed on private property in Georgia with the landowner’s permission and using legal methods in accordance with local ordinances, animal cruelty laws, and safety precautions.
Also, on public Wildlife Management Areas, tegus can be killed with firearms legal for the current hunting season. Using traps to catch tegus is not allowed. Anyone who sees a tegu on a WMA should also alert that region’s Game Management office.
How do you report a possible tegu?
Contact Georgia DNR when you see a tegu in the wild, dead or alive. These reports help biologists document occurrences and respond effectively. Note the location, take a photo if possible and report the sighting:
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
ATHENS — Kylie Chung of Cumming chased down two accomplished college players to become the second-youngest winner of the Georgia Women’s Amateur Championship on Wednesday. Not bad for a girl won won’t start high school until this fall.
Chung, 14, a soon-to-be freshman at Lambert High School, birdied the final three holes at Athens Country Club to shoot 5-under 67 to finish 6-under 210. She won by two shots over defending champion Ava Merrill of Johns Creek, who plays at Vanderbilt, and Mary Mille of Savannah, who plays at Ole Miss.
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ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — per gallon on regular gas and 37 cents per gallon on
For two months, Gov. Brian Kemp suspended the state gas tax, saving drivers 33 cents per gallon on regular gas and 37 cents per gallon on diesel. For the average driver who fills up twice a week, that adds up to more than $60 back in their pocket.
“I think it’s uncalled for. It’s very much uncalled for,” said Marie Okafia, a driver.
Looking for alternatives
The sharp spike in prices has some drivers looking for a different way to get to work. Rebecca Serna, executive director of Propel ATL, said riding a bike is a cost-cutting measure, and more people are already doing it.
“We’re seeing more bike lanes, more scoot lanes,” Serna said. “The cost of car ownership has gone up dramatically, but the cost of these other types of transportation have stayed relatively the same. So, it can really save families a lot of money.”
The city has added several miles of protected bike lanes in recent months, making the commute safer for anyone ready to ditch the pump. Propel ATL also noted the opening of the southeast and southside Beltline, connecting to those new bike lanes.
Impact on families
For Georgia families already stretched thin, the timing couldn’t be worse. The price increase affects not just what drivers pay at the gas station, but what they’ll give up somewhere else.
“We’re already grappling with high cost of food, and then we have to face this too. They both go hand-in-hand,” Okafia said.
Atlanta is bringing back its e-bike rebate program this fall. You can learn more about the program and the nonprofit Propel ATL here.
Copyright 2026 WANF. All rights reserved.
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