What does it really take to pass meaningful legislation when the other party holds the majority? In episode four of The Georgia Diagnosis, Rep. Dr. Michelle Au sits down with State Representative Scott Holcomb to explore how bipartisan legislation actually gets passed in Georgia.

Holcomb shares the behind-the-scenes story of his landmark legislation addressing Georgia’s backlog of untested sexual assault kits, including the unlikely friendship he developed with former Republican House Speaker David Ralston. They also discuss Medicaid expansion, criminal justice reform, and the difficult choices lawmakers face when compromise is necessary to get results.

Notes: Learn about State Representative Scott Holcomb below:

State Representative Scott Holcomb has served in the Georgia House of Representatives since 2011 and represents House District 101 in metro Atlanta. An attorney, military veteran, and advocate for bipartisan problem-solving, Holcomb is best known for his work passing Georgia’s landmark 2016 legislation addressing the backlog of untested sexual assault kits. He has also championed criminal justice reform, compensation for wrongfully convicted individuals, and expanded access to health care. A former Army prosecutor with a master’s degree in public health, Holcomb brings a practical, policy-focused approach to his legislative work.

Learn more at https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/docs/default-source/bios/holcomb-scott-769.pdf

Who gets heard at the Georgia Capitol, and what does it take to turn representation into real influence? Rep. Dr. Michelle Au reunites with her former Senate suitemate, Sen. Nikki Merritt, chair of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, for a candid conversation about Georgia’s changing communities and the work of making their voices count under the Gold Dome.

Their conversation touches on the fight over redistricting, partnerships across Black, Asian American and Latino communities, and an internship program helping prepare Georgia’s next generation of leaders. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at how communities organize, advocate and turn a shared voice into action.

Notes: Learn about State Senator Nikki Merritt below:

Senator Nikki Merritt represents Georgia’s 9th Senate District in Gwinnett County and serves as chair of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus. First elected in 2020 after flipping a Republican-held seat, she brings a background in telecommunications, labor advocacy and community service to the legislature. During her 23-year telecommunications career, her involvement with the Communications Workers of America helped shape her advocacy for working families. Raised in Austell, Merritt is a Georgia State University graduate and lives in Grayson with her family.

Learn more at https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/docs/default-source/bios/merritt-nikki-4978.pdf

In Episode 2 of The Georgia Diagnosis, Rep. Dr. Michelle Au sits down with Democratic Party of Georgia Chair Charlie Bailey to talk about what it takes to build a political party beyond a single election. Bailey discusses running for office in Georgia, strengthening the party’s statewide infrastructure, and supporting candidates up and down the ballot. Drawing on his experience as both a statewide candidate and party chair, he looks at the work underway for 2026 and how it lays the groundwork for 2028 and beyond.

Notes: Learn more about Charlie Bailey below:

Charlie Bailey - Chair of the Democratic Party of Georgia

Charlie Bailey is Chair of the Democratic Party of Georgia, a position he has held since May 2025. A Harris County native and attorney, Bailey earned undergraduate degrees in political science and religion and his law degree from the University of Georgia. He began his political career working on Georgia campaigns before practicing law and later serving as a Senior Assistant District Attorney in Fulton County. Bailey was the Democratic nominee for Georgia Attorney General in 2018 and Lieutenant Governor in 2022 before moving into state party leadership.

Learn more about Charlie Bailey at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_Bailey_(politician)