Trump-Endorsed Republican Wins Marjorie Taylor Greene's Former House Seat in Georgia

Clay Fuller prevails in deep-red district despite concerns over escalating Iran tensions

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:42am

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Republican Clay Fuller has won Marjorie Taylor Greene's former U.S. House seat in Georgia, defeating a Democratic challenger with the help of President Donald Trump's endorsement. The victory comes amid uneasiness over the president's escalating rhetoric toward Iran, though Fuller insisted his win was a testament to Trump's continued influence.

Why it matters

The race in Georgia's 14th Congressional District, a deep-red area that Trump carried by nearly 37 points in 2020, was seen as a test of the former president's political sway. Fuller's win adds to a string of special election results where Democrats have performed better than expected, raising hopes the party can gain momentum heading into the November midterms when control of Congress hangs in the balance.

The details

Fuller, a district attorney who prosecuted crimes in four counties, prevailed by around 12 points over Democratic candidate Shawn Harris. The victory came despite some Republican voters expressing concern over Trump's threats toward Iran, with one Acworth resident saying the president may be 'committing a war crime' if he follows through on bombing power plants and other infrastructure. However, Fuller insisted his win was a testament to Trump's 'staying power,' telling supporters, 'They couldn't beat Donald Trump and they never will.'

  • On Tuesday, April 8, 2026, polls closed in Georgia's 14th Congressional District special election.
  • Trump had set a deadline of 8 p.m. on Tuesday for Iran to reach a deal with the United States, saying that 'a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again.' However, he later announced a two-week ceasefire to allow negotiations to continue.

The players

Clay Fuller

A Republican district attorney who prosecuted crimes in four counties and was endorsed by former President Donald Trump to succeed Marjorie Taylor Greene in the U.S. House.

Shawn Harris

The Democratic candidate in the special election, described as a 'dirt-road Democrat' and a retired general who ran an enthusiastic campaign despite the district's deep-red leanings.

Marjorie Taylor Greene

The former Republican U.S. Representative for Georgia's 14th Congressional District, who had split with Trump by criticizing his foreign policy and reluctance to release documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who endorsed Clay Fuller in the special election and whose escalating rhetoric toward Iran caused unease among some Republican voters in the district.

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What they’re saying

“'They couldn't beat Donald Trump and they never will. And I will be on Capitol Hill as a warrior to have his back each and every day.'”

— Clay Fuller, Republican Candidate

“'Trump is a liar. Everything he says is a lie. This war was totally uncalled for. Trump is wrecking relationships with countries that have traditionally been American allies.'”

— Melinda Dorl, Retiree

“'I voted for the Democrat even though this is a very red district and the Democrat has almost no chance of winning. I want to see Trump's policies rolled back and the president again impeached.'”

— Michael Robards, Center-right Independent

What’s next

Fuller will have to face another Republican primary on May 19 to win a full two-year term, and could face a June 16 party runoff. Harris is already the Democratic nominee for November's general election.

The takeaway

This special election result highlights the continued influence of former President Trump within the Republican Party, even as some GOP voters express unease over his escalating rhetoric on foreign policy issues like the conflict with Iran. The race also underscores the Democrats' hopes of gaining momentum heading into the crucial 2022 midterm elections.