Cobb County’s 2026 primaries are shaping up as a defining moment for the community, with key school board races highlighting sharp contrasts in leadership style, education priorities, and the future direction of local schools. From debates over curriculum and library content to questions of governance versus activism, voters are being presented with clear and consequential choices.
New reports raise serious questions about ActBlue’s fundraising practices as federal scrutiny intensifies—yet many Georgia and Cobb County Democrats continue to rely on the platform. What voters need to know.
Early voting is underway for Georgia’s 14th Congressional District runoff between Clay Fuller and Shawn Harris, with Election Day set for April 7. While most of the race is centered in northwest Georgia, a small portion of west Cobb County will play a meaningful role. Turnout remains steady so far, with Republicans holding a statistical advantage heading into the final days of voting.
A years-long legal battle in Cobb County over classroom content has ended with a decisive ruling from the Georgia Court of Appeals, affirming the authority of locally elected school boards. The case, sparked by a parent complaint of Katie Rinderle, a fifth-grade teacher reading books involving gender identity to students in class, drew national attention and involvement from the Southern Poverty Law Center.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is examining a fatal officer-involved shooting that took place late Monday night in a residential neighborhood of unincorporated Marietta. Cobb County Police officers responded around 10:40 p.m. on February 16, 2026, to reports of possible gunfire near a home on Bradley Avenue, close to Windy Hill Road, where the incident occurred.
Cobb County Superintendent Chris Ragsdale is standing firm after politically charged student walkouts disrupted multiple high schools, warning that leaving campus during instructional hours is “one of the most dangerous things students can do.” District leaders say the demonstrations were fueled by outside activist groups and posed serious safety risks, while some elected officials openly supported the protests. At a recent board meeting, Ragsdale and Chairman Randy Scamihorn emphasized discipline, campus security, and the need to keep political movements from interfering with public education.
A renewed grand jury indictment against Democrat Cobb County Clerk of Superior Court Connie Taylor has brought fresh scrutiny to allegations of public record destruction and a long-standing Georgia law that allowed clerks to personally collect passport processing fees. The case has raised broader questions about transparency, use of taxpayer-funded resources, and how hundreds of thousands of dollars in passport income went largely undisclosed until records were requested. Lawmakers have since moved to close the loophole, even as the legal case continues.
Rep. Barry Loudermilk’s decision not to seek re-election in 2026 has opened Georgia’s 11th Congressional District for the first time in more than a decade, setting the stage for a competitive open-seat race. With the advantage of incumbency gone, Republicans are expected to face a crowded primary field, while Democrats look for a potential opening in a district that has long leaned conservative. Candidate qualifying closes March 6, 2026, with the May primary offering the first test of voter sentiment in this new political landscape.
The Cobb County School District is pushing back against planned student walkouts during school hours, warning that participating could result in suspension and other disciplinary actions. District officials say outside activists are encouraging students to disrupt class time, raising concerns among parents and school leaders about maintaining order, discipline, and focus on education. School Board Chairman Randy Scamihorn called in-school protests “inappropriate and ill-advised,” emphasizing the need for consistent enforcement of school policies.
On a brisk fall morning in Cobb County, students at Kemp Elementary witnessed a moment they’ll never forget—a surprise reunion between two young children and their father, Army Staff Sergeant David Miller, home from deployment. Cheers of “U-S-A!” filled the gym as Emma and Noah rushed into their father’s arms, bringing teachers and students alike to tears. This touching scene reminds us all of the sacrifices made by military families—and the deep gratitude we owe them.
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