Georgia Lawmakers Clash Over Fulton County Election Probe

Republican senator calls for state takeover of Fulton elections, Democrat leader calls it 'laughable'

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A heated debate erupted at the Georgia Capitol on Wednesday as a Republican state senator called for the state to take over Fulton County's elections office, citing issues raised in a recently unsealed FBI affidavit. The Democratic leader of the Fulton County Commission dismissed the senator's claims, saying numerous reviews have found the county's election operations to be sound.

Why it matters

The dispute highlights ongoing partisan tensions over election integrity in Georgia, a key battleground state. While the state's Republican secretary of state has vouched for the security of Georgia's elections, some GOP lawmakers continue to raise concerns, especially about Fulton County, the state's most populous and Democratic-leaning jurisdiction.

The details

Sen. Greg Dolezal, a Republican running for lieutenant governor, pointed to the FBI affidavit which showed issues like some ballots being scanned twice and other ballot images missing. However, Fulton Commission Chairman Robb Pitts, a Democrat, said the affidavit was 'very weak' and that numerous reviews have given the county's elections a 'clean bill of health.' Pitts accused the Trump administration of orchestrating a 'sinister plot' to disrupt upcoming elections by raiding the Fulton election facility.

  • The FBI raid on a Fulton election facility occurred last month.
  • The FBI affidavit related to the raid was recently unsealed.

The players

Greg Dolezal

A Republican state senator who is running for lieutenant governor. He called for the state to take over Fulton County's elections office.

Robb Pitts

The Democratic chairman of the Fulton County Commission. He dismissed Dolezal's calls for a state takeover as 'laughable' and accused the Trump administration of orchestrating a 'sinister plot' against Fulton County.

Brad Raffensperger

Georgia's Republican secretary of state, who has repeatedly said the state's elections are safe and secure.

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What they’re saying

“'It's past time for the state to take over Fulton County elections'”

— Greg Dolezal, Republican state senator (thegeorgiasun.com)

“'There's no such thing as a perfect election. There's always a possibility of human error. There's always a possibility of mechanical failure. But there has not been any organized effort in Fulton County, Georgia to manipulate the outcome of any election.'”

— Robb Pitts, Fulton County Commission Chairman (thegeorgiasun.com)

“'Fulton County is the poster child here. If they're successful here in Fulton County, Georgia, they're going to take this show on the road.'”

— Robb Pitts, Fulton County Commission Chairman (thegeorgiasun.com)

What’s next

The dispute over Fulton County's elections is likely to continue, with the potential for legal battles and further investigations. The outcome could have implications for future elections in Georgia.

The takeaway

This clash between Republican and Democratic leaders in Georgia underscores the ongoing partisan divide over election integrity, even as state officials have vouched for the security of the state's voting systems. The dispute highlights the high stakes and heated rhetoric surrounding election administration in a key battleground state.