Another GOP Hopeful Drops Out of 14th District Race

Field narrows to 18 candidates as early voting begins in special election to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Larry Hilley, a Republican candidate, withdrew from the race to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in Georgia's 14th congressional district just days before early voting began. Hilley is the fourth Republican to drop out of the race, which now has 18 remaining congressional hopefuls. The special election is set for March 10, with a runoff scheduled for April 7 if needed.

Why it matters

The 14th district race in Georgia has garnered national attention as a key battleground in the upcoming midterm elections. The withdrawal of multiple Republican candidates narrows the field and could impact the dynamics of the race as early voting gets underway.

The details

Hilley's withdrawal comes after James Marty Brown, Jared Craig, and Christian Hurd also dropped out of the race in recent weeks. Both Brown and the latter two candidates endorsed other Republican contenders. With Hilley's exit, the race is now down to 18 candidates vying to fill the remainder of Marjorie Taylor Greene's congressional term through January 2027.

  • Early voting began on February 16, 2026 for the March 10 special election.
  • A runoff election has been scheduled for April 7 if needed.
  • The winner of the special election will serve out the remainder of Greene's term through January 2027.

The players

Larry Hilley

A Republican candidate who withdrew from the race to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in Georgia's 14th congressional district.

Marjorie Taylor Greene

The former congresswoman whose resignation from the 14th district seat sparked the special election.

Clay Fuller

A Republican candidate who has been endorsed by President Donald Trump.

Ann Maroni

A voter in the 14th district who is excited to participate in the special election and vote for change.

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What they’re saying

“I'm voting for change in Georgia. I moved here five years ago and I'd like to see some changes.”

— Ann Maroni, Voter (Atlanta News First)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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