Georgia's Special Election to Replace Marjorie Taylor Greene Seen as Test of Trump's Influence

Voters head to the polls in the 14th Congressional District to choose Greene's successor, with the race potentially headed to a runoff.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Voters in northwest Georgia's 14th Congressional District are casting ballots in a special election to replace former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who resigned in January. The crowded field of 17 candidates includes several Republicans endorsed by former President Trump, as well as a Democratic challenger. The race is being closely watched as an early test of Trump's continued influence within the GOP.

Why it matters

This special election is seen as an important indicator of the Republican Party's direction, with Trump's endorsement of a candidate potentially carrying significant weight. The outcome could signal whether the GOP base remains firmly aligned with the former president or if there are signs of shifting allegiances.

The details

Twenty-two candidates initially filed to run, but the field has been narrowed to 17 - 12 Republicans, 3 Democrats, 1 Libertarian, and 1 independent. Among the top Republican contenders are former District Attorney Clay Fuller, who was endorsed by Trump, and former state Sen. Colton Moore. The Democratic candidate is retired Army Brig. Gen. Shawn Harris, who lost to Greene in 2024. Georgia's special election rules require a candidate to win a majority of votes; if no one reaches that threshold, the top two finishers will advance to an April 7 runoff.

  • Polls closed on March 10, 2026.
  • A runoff election, if needed, is scheduled for April 7, 2026.
  • The party primaries for the November general election are set for May 19, 2026, with a potential runoff on June 16, 2026.

The players

Marjorie Taylor Greene

Former U.S. Representative for Georgia's 14th Congressional District, who resigned in January 2026 following a public fight with former President Trump.

Clay Fuller

Former District Attorney and Republican candidate endorsed by former President Trump.

Colton Moore

Former Republican state Senator and candidate in the special election.

Shawn Harris

Retired Army Brigadier General and Democratic candidate who lost to Marjorie Taylor Greene in 2024.

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

“There's real fatigue out there, and I sense and feel for them.”

— David Guldenschuh, Floyd County Republican Vice Chair (cbsnews.com)

“We will have to work our butts off to make him win if he gets to a runoff, but that's how we should treat every single election.”

— Vincent Mendes, Chair of the Floyd County Democratic Party (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

If no candidate receives a majority of votes, the top two finishers will advance to an April 7, 2026 runoff election. The winner of the special election will serve out the remainder of Marjorie Taylor Greene's term, and then must run again in the May 19, 2026 party primaries if they wish to retain the seat.

The takeaway

This special election in Georgia's 14th Congressional District is being closely watched as an early test of former President Trump's continued influence within the Republican Party. The crowded field and potential for a runoff election highlight the complex political dynamics at play, with the outcome potentially signaling broader shifts in the GOP's direction.