Ballots Set for Two Special Legislative Races in Georgia

Winners may not be seated in time for the current session as Georgia's legislative session ends in April.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 2:55pm

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Georgia is holding two special legislative elections, with candidates focusing on key issues like affordability, education, and economic growth. The winners may not be able to take their seats in time for the current legislative session, which ends in April.

Why it matters

These special elections will determine who represents these districts in the Georgia General Assembly. The outcomes could impact legislation and policy decisions, even if the new lawmakers are not seated until the next session. The races also provide insight into the priorities of voters in these districts.

The details

In House District 130, six candidates - four Democrats and two Republicans - are vying to replace former state Rep. Lynn Heffner, who resigned citing damage to her home from Hurricane Helene. In House District 94, four Democrats are running to replace former Rep. Karen Bennett, who resigned and pleaded guilty to unemployment fraud. Qualifying is still underway for the Senate District 53 race, where former Republican state Sen. Colton Moore stepped down to run for Congress.

  • The 2026 legislative session is already underway and ends on April 2.
  • Runoffs, if needed, are set for April 7.
  • All lawmakers, including the winners of these special elections, will be on the ballot later in 2026.

The players

Lynn Heffner

Former Democratic state representative who resigned, citing damage to her home from Hurricane Helene.

Karen Bennett

Former Democratic state representative who resigned shortly before being indicted for unemployment fraud, to which she has since pleaded guilty.

Colton Moore

Former Republican state senator who stepped down to run for Georgia's 14th Congressional District.

Chris Harden

Cherokee County attorney and Democrat who has announced a campaign for Georgia's 11th Congressional District.

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What they’re saying

“The biggest issues facing District 130 are affordability – particularly housing and health care – access to quality education, and supporting small business growth.”

— Karen Gordon, Community development consultant (Rough Draft Atlanta)

“Now that my mom has passed, I'm available to continue serving the wonderful constituents in this district.”

— Sheila Clark Nelson, Retired postal worker and former state representative (Rough Draft Atlanta)

“If you're looking for a Christian leader who is conservative and prioritizes unity and affordability through fiscal responsibility, I'm your guy.”

— Thomas McAdams, Minister and chief administrative officer (Rough Draft Atlanta)

What’s next

The winners of the special elections may not be seated in time for the current legislative session, which ends on April 2. Runoffs, if needed, are set for April 7.

The takeaway

These special elections will determine who represents these districts in the Georgia General Assembly, potentially impacting legislation and policy decisions even if the new lawmakers are not seated until the next session. The races provide insight into the priorities of voters in these districts, such as affordability, education, and economic growth.