The 2026 midterm elections brought significant change to Georgia’s state government leadership, and our federal delegation saw several changes as well. The biggest shift will come in Washington, where Democrats will take control of both the U.S. House and Senate by substantial margins when the 120th Congress convenes in January. Georgia cities should expect congressional priorities to shift, and GMA’s federal advocacy will adjust accordingly.
Georgia’s Congressional Delegation
Georgia will be represented by four new members of Congress. GMA is proactively engaging them to make sure they understand Georgia cities’ priorities as they transition into their new roles.
- Congressman-Elect John Cowan (R-GA), 11th District: Replaces retiring Rep. Barry Loudermilk.
- Congresswoman-Elect Jasmine Clark (D-GA), 13th District: Replaces Rep. Everton Blair, who filled the late David Scott’s seat.
- Congressman-Elect Houston Gaines (R-GA), 10th District: Replaces Rep. Mike Collins who ran for the U.S. Senate.
- Congressman-Elect Jim Kingston (R-GA), 1st District: Replaces retiring Rep. Buddy Carter.
Sen. Jon Ossoff won reelection to another six-year term and will join the Democratic majority in the Senate. All other Georgia members of Congress held their seats as incumbents.
What Cities Should Watch For
Congress will return to Washington November 9 and face a December 11 stop-gap funding deadline, leaving just 24 legislative days in the lame duck period of the 119th Congress. GMA, alongside national local government groups, is calling on Congress to pass a full-year appropriations deal or agree to another continuing resolution (CR) to avoid a federal government shutdown. The CR extended funding as well as authorizations for surface transportation and other federal programs.
It’s unclear how the lame duck Congress will address its list of pending legislation, but there are several key issues to monitor now and into the new Congress:
Federal grant overhaul. The White House Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) proposed changes to federal grant administration would make it harder to apply for federal dollars and introduce political considerations into the process. Although OMB is pursuing the change through regulation, bipartisan pushback in Congress delayed the rule’s October 1 implementation date through the CR. With bipartisan opposition continuing, final approval appears unlikely.
Transportation funding cuts. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) expired September 30, 2026 and Congress extended only part of it through the CR. That left $36.8 billion in transportation unfunded. The extension covers programs funded through the Highway Trust Fund but does not cover programs funded through the law’s “Division J” advance appropriations, which remain unfunded until Congress acts. The $36.8 billion in Division J transportation cuts is broad, affecting both formula funding and grant programs for roads, rail, bridges, transit, safety and more. Advocates are urging Congress to pass either a multi-year surface transportation reauthorization or an extension of IIJA’s authorities and the programs funded through advance appropriations.
Permitting reform. The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act (BAAJA) would overhaul the nation’s permitting laws to speed infrastructure project timelines while preserving opportunities for local input. Advocates are calling on Congress to pass it before the end of the year.
FEMA and disaster recovery. The administration and Congress has proposed shifting FEMA and federal disaster recovery responsibilities to state and local governments but has left questions on how the resources and capacity would be made up at the local level. Major changes like this require congressional approval and it’s unclear whether it will advance under a Democratic majority.
Water infrastructure funding. Congress has yet to agree on a Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) reauthorizationor a funding plan for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. Although both chambers have moved forward on their own proposals, a final deal will need to be reached before the December deadline.
Several pending rulemakings could also face greater scrutiny under the new Congress, including:
- Environmental Protection Agency proposals to roll back environmental reviews for data center construction;
- Federal Communications Commission proposed changes to how cities manage wireline permitting in the right-of-way for broadband connectivity; and
- Census Bureau proposed changes to how communities are counted in the decennial census.
What’s Next
Once Democrats take control in January, many of the Trump administration’s and Republican Congress’s concerning proposals could face greater scrutiny or delay.
It is too early to gauge how the dynamic between a divided government will shape federal policy and funding outcomes for Georgia cities. GMA will continue to ensure Georgia cities’ voices are heard in Washington as the new Congress assumes power and the administration enters its final two years.