Georgia Congressional Election Pits Trump-Backed Candidate Against Democrat

Republican Clay Fuller faces off against Democrat Shawn Harris in special election to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene

Apr. 7, 2026 at 4:07am

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A vibrant, fractured painting of a voting booth or ballot box in overlapping geometric shapes and waves of red, white, and blue, capturing the high-stakes and divisive nature of the political contest.The closely watched Georgia congressional election pits a Trump-endorsed Republican against a Democrat in a race that could shape the future direction of the GOP.Atlanta Today

In a special election to fill the vacant 14th Congressional District seat in Georgia, Republican Clay Fuller, who is endorsed by former President Donald Trump, is running against Democrat Shawn Harris. The district is considered heavily Republican-leaning, but Harris led the initial round of voting in March. The winner will serve out the remainder of Marjorie Taylor Greene's term, with the possibility of running again for a full two-year term.

Why it matters

This election is seen as a test of Trump's influence within the Republican party, as his endorsed candidate Fuller faces off against Democrat Harris. A Republican victory would bolster the party's slim majority in the House of Representatives, while a Harris win would be an upset in the heavily Republican district.

The details

Fuller, a district attorney and lieutenant colonel in the Georgia Air National Guard, has fully embraced Trump's 'America First' agenda. Harris, a cattle farmer and retired general, has positioned himself as a 'dirt-road Democrat' focused on practical solutions for the district. The initial round of voting on March 10 saw Harris lead with 37% of the vote, while Fuller came in second with 35%. However, the combined Republican candidates won nearly 60% of the vote.

  • The special election is being held on Tuesday, April 11, 2026.
  • The initial round of voting took place on March 10, 2026.
  • If the winner wants to remain in Congress beyond January 2027, they will have to run again in the November 2026 general election.

The players

Clay Fuller

Republican candidate endorsed by former President Donald Trump, who is a district attorney and lieutenant colonel in the Georgia Air National Guard.

Shawn Harris

Democratic candidate, a cattle farmer and retired general who previously ran against Marjorie Taylor Greene in 2024.

Marjorie Taylor Greene

Former Republican Congresswoman who resigned in January 2026 after falling out with former President Trump.

Donald Trump

Former President of the United States who has endorsed Republican candidate Clay Fuller in the special election.

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What they’re saying

“'We need an America First fighter to stand strong for northwest Georgia,'”

— Clay Fuller, Republican Candidate

“'He has sold his soul to Donald Trump. The reality of it is he cannot fight for you because he cannot go against the president.'”

— Shawn Harris, Democratic Candidate

“'I am asking all Republicans, America First Patriots, and MAGA Warriors, to please GET OUT AND VOTE for a fantastic Candidate, Clay Fuller, who has my Complete and Total Endorsement!'”

— Donald Trump

What’s next

The winner of the special election will serve out the remaining months of Marjorie Taylor Greene's term. If the winner wants to remain in Congress beyond January 2027, they will have to run again in the November 2026 general election.

The takeaway

This election is seen as a proxy battle between the Republican establishment and the more Trump-aligned faction of the party. The outcome could have implications for the direction of the GOP and the extent of Trump's influence within the party.