On this episode of The Platform with Matt, we’re talking about who gets political attention, who gets political money—and who gets left behind.

First, Atlanta is officially out of the running to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention, leaving Boston, Denver and Philadelphia. I break down why passing over Atlanta matters beyond just losing a convention—and what it says about the Democratic Party’s commitment to Georgia, the South and the Black voters who have been critical to its success.

Then, we turn to Georgia’s 2026 elections. Keisha Lance Bottoms may have deep roots and name recognition in metro Atlanta, but can she build the statewide coalition she’ll need to win the Governor’s Mansion? Meanwhile, Jon Ossoff is putting up strong polling numbers in his reelection fight. Plus, we get into the controversy involving Mike Collins’ son-in-law and what it could mean politically.

Finally, we go local. An AJC investigation looks at the flood of special-interest money pouring into Georgia legislative races—and what happens when outside groups can spend hundreds of thousands of dollars in a single state House race. When outside spending dwarfs what candidates themselves can raise, do voters still get to decide which candidates deserve to be heard?

Atlanta. Georgia. Politics without the talking points. This is The Platform with Matt.