In Georgia Runoff, Veterans Clash Over Iran War

Opposing views on ongoing conflict shape special election to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene

Apr. 7, 2026 at 5:26pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting of a military jet in flight, its silhouette repeated and overlapping in waves of vibrant red, orange, and yellow hues, conveying the speed and chaos of modern warfare.The Georgia runoff election offers a glimpse into how the ongoing Iran war may influence the 2023 midterm elections.Washington Today

In the special election runoff in Georgia's 14th Congressional District, the two military veteran candidates - Democrat Shawn Harris and Republican Clay Fuller - are taking contrasting stances on the ongoing war with Iran. Harris, a retired Army brigadier general, has criticized the war as a 'war of choice,' while Fuller, an Air National Guard veteran, has defended the Trump administration's actions regarding Iran. The race is seen as an early test of how the unpopular Iran war may impact this year's midterm elections.

Why it matters

The Georgia runoff is one of the first major electoral tests of how the ongoing Iran war, which has faced growing Republican opposition, could shape the 2023 midterm elections. The race also highlights the divide within the GOP over the conflict, with some Trump-aligned candidates like Marjorie Taylor Greene criticizing the war, while others like Clay Fuller have backed the administration's actions.

The details

In the debate, Harris argued the Iran war is 'not a war we should be in,' while Fuller said 'our country is safer because of what President Trump has done regarding Iran.' Harris has criticized the Trump administration for failing to communicate the reasoning behind the military action and the resulting high oil and fuel prices. Fuller, the district attorney, has not commented publicly on the war.

  • The special election runoff in Georgia's 14th Congressional District will be held on Tuesday, April 15, 2026.
  • The March 10, 2026 special election saw no candidate win 50% of the vote, leading to the runoff between Harris and Fuller.

The players

Shawn Harris

A retired Army brigadier general running as the Democratic candidate in the Georgia runoff. He has criticized the ongoing Iran war as a 'war of choice.'

Clay Fuller

The Republican candidate in the Georgia runoff, who served in the Air National Guard. He has defended the Trump administration's actions regarding Iran.

Marjorie Taylor Greene

The former Republican Congresswoman from Georgia's 14th district, whose surprise resignation led to the special election. She has been outspoken in her opposition to the Iran war.

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What they’re saying

“I spent 40 years in the military. The reality of it is, this war that we're in right now is a war of choice.”

— Shawn Harris, Retired Army Brigadier General

“Our country is safer because of what President Trump has done regarding Iran.”

— Clay Fuller, Air National Guard Veteran

“This NOT what we promised the American people when they overwhelmingly voted in 2024.”

— Marjorie Taylor Greene

What’s next

The winner of the April 15 runoff will serve out the remainder of Marjorie Taylor Greene's term, but will then have to run again in the November general election for a full two-year term.

The takeaway

The Georgia runoff highlights the growing divide within the Republican party over the unpopular Iran war, which could become a key issue in the 2023 midterm elections. The race also showcases how military veterans with differing views on the conflict are shaping the political landscape.