If you’ve lived in Cobb County for more than a week, you know things never really sit still. It’s a weird, beautiful mix of suburban sprawl and high-stakes politics that feels like it’s constantly at a crossroads. Lately, if you’ve been scrolling through Cobb County GA news, it’s been a whirlwind. We’re talking about everything from a massive shake-up in our Congressional representation to school board battles that feel more like a boxing match than a public meeting.
Honestly, it’s a lot to keep track of.
Between the freezing temperatures that just gripped North Georgia and the sudden "amnesty" for local businesses, there is a ton of ground to cover. Whether you’re worried about the safety of your commute on Windy Hill Road or wondering who’s going to fill the vacuum left by Marjorie Taylor Greene, here is the real deal on what’s happening on the ground in Cobb right now.
The Massive Race to Replace Marjorie Taylor Greene
Let’s start with the elephant in the room. The political landscape in Northwest Cobb just got turned upside down. After a very public and frankly messy falling out with President Donald Trump—where he reportedly called her a "traitor" over her stance on the Epstein files—Marjorie Taylor Greene resigned.
That’s not just a footnote; it’s a seismic shift for the 14th Congressional District.
Right now, more than 20 candidates have qualified to run in the March 10 special election. It’s a crowded field, to say the least. We have 17 Republicans, three Democrats, a Libertarian, and an independent all vying for the seat. The Cobb County Board of Elections just set the early voting schedule, which kicks off on February 16. If you’re one of the 100,000+ eligible voters in the Cobb portion of this district, expect your mailbox to be stuffed with flyers for the next two months.
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If no one grabs a majority in March—and with 22 people running, that’s almost a guarantee—we’re heading to a runoff on April 7. It’s going to be a long spring.
School Board Drama and the Partisan Divide
If you think the national politics are intense, you haven't been to a Cobb County School Board meeting lately. On January 6, 2026, the board held its annual organizational meeting. It took less than ten minutes, but the 4-3 partisan split was as clear as ever.
Randy Scamihorn is back as Chair.
This is his fifth time in the seat. The Republican majority voted him in, along with David Chastain as Vice-Chair, while the three Democrats on the board saw their nominations for Tre’ Hutchins go nowhere. It’s the same story we’ve seen for years: a board deeply divided on how much power the chair should have over the agenda.
There’s also some lingering tension regarding John Cristadoro, who recently settled a lawsuit over allegations of misusing advertising funds. While some board members called for an ethics hearing, the Republican leadership essentially said the board doesn’t have the authority to act on it. It's the kind of internal friction that makes every "regular" meeting on the 2026 calendar worth watching.
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Public Safety: The News Nobody Wants to Hear
Lately, the Cobb County GA news regarding the police department has been tough to swallow. It’s been a rough start to the year for department morale and community trust.
Earlier this month, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) arrested Officer Withman Benjamin. He’s facing a charge of sexual battery against a child under 16. That investigation actually started back in September 2025, but the arrest just went down on January 9. He’s currently out on bond.
But it didn't stop there.
A second officer, Tyler Bertolini, was also placed on administrative leave after being charged with cruelty to children in Cherokee County. Chief Dan Ferrell has been vocal about maintaining integrity, but having two officers under investigation for crimes against children in the same week is a heavy blow for the county.
On the Brighter Side of Safety
It’s not all bad news, though. The county just secured a massive $8.5 million federal grant for the "Safe Streets and Roads for All" program. If you’ve ever felt like you were taking your life into your hands driving or walking near Olive Springs Road, Pat Mell Road, or Windy Hill Road, help is finally coming. These spots were identified as high-risk zones for serious crashes, and this money is specifically earmarked to fix the infrastructure there.
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Money, Growth, and the Business Amnesty
If you’re running a small business in unincorporated Cobb and you’ve been, let’s say, forgetful about your registration, you have a rare window of grace right now.
The county is running a business amnesty period until January 30, 2026.
Basically, if you register now, they’re waiving the penalties, interest, and back taxes. You just pay your 2026 tax and you’re good. It’s a smart move by the county to get more businesses into the system, and honestly, a huge relief for anyone who’s been operating under the radar and worrying about a surprise bill from the tax commissioner.
Meanwhile, the Board of Commissioners just approved an extra $2 million for the Veterans Memorial project. This has been a passion project for Commissioner JoAnn Birrell for a decade. The total county contribution is now up to $5 million, thanks to some excess SPLOST revenue. It’s a scaled-back version of the original "grand" vision, but it looks like construction might actually be within reach now.
What You Should Do Next
Cobb moves fast. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, here are a few things you can actually do:
- Check your voter status: If you’re in the 14th District, go to the Secretary of State’s "My Voter Page" to make sure you're ready for the March 10 special election.
- Business Owners: If you aren't registered, hit the Cobb County website before January 30 to take advantage of that amnesty. It disappears in two weeks.
- Safety Watch: Keep an eye on the Cobb DOT updates for construction schedules on Windy Hill and Pat Mell Roads. The federal grant money means those orange cones are coming sooner than you think.
- Attend a Meeting: The next regular School Board meeting is January 22. If you care about where the district is headed, it’s worth showing up—even if they still aren't airing the public comments on the live stream.
Cobb County isn't just a place to live; it's a place where the local decisions actually hit your front door. Stay engaged, because 2026 is already shaping up to be a defining year for us.