Georgia special election heads to runoff between Trump-backed DA and Democrat challenger

The race to fill Marjorie Taylor Greene's vacant House seat will be decided in an April 7 runoff between Republican Clay Fuller and Democrat Shawn Harris.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 4:06am

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The special election to fill the vacant U.S. House seat in Georgia's 14th Congressional District ended Tuesday without a winner, sending Trump-endorsed Republican Clay Fuller, a district attorney, and retired Army brigadier general Shawn Harris, a Democrat, to an April 7 runoff. Harris led the 17-candidate field with 39.9% of the vote, while Fuller pulled 34.2%. Neither cleared the 50% threshold required to win outright.

Why it matters

The fact that a Democrat finished first in a district Trump carried by 37 points in 2024 is a significant result that could sharpen Republican minds. The crowded GOP field allowed Harris to consolidate Democratic support and finish ahead, but the runoff presents an opportunity for Republicans to unite behind Fuller and hold the seat.

The details

Fuller, who has described himself as a "MAGA warrior," is banking on Trump's endorsement to help him win the runoff. He recently appeared alongside the former president at an event in Rome, Georgia. Meanwhile, Harris was the fundraising champion among all 17 candidates, raising $4.3 million, which helped boost his name recognition in the chaotic field.

  • The special election was held on Tuesday, March 12, 2026.
  • The runoff election is scheduled for April 7, 2026.

The players

Clay Fuller

A Republican district attorney for the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit who is running for the vacant U.S. House seat in Georgia's 14th Congressional District. He has the endorsement of former President Donald Trump.

Shawn Harris

A retired Army brigadier general and the Democratic candidate running for the vacant U.S. House seat in Georgia's 14th Congressional District. He led the 17-candidate field in the special election with 39.9% of the vote.

Marjorie Taylor Greene

The former Republican U.S. Representative for Georgia's 14th Congressional District, who stepped down at the beginning of January 2026 with a year left in her term after a public falling out with President Trump over the Epstein files.

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What they’re saying

“I think we've been very successful in staying with our message discipline that President Trump truly matters in Georgia 14.”

— Clay Fuller, Republican candidate

“His support has meant the world to me and meant the world to the voters. So, we're just going to continue to get that message out about President Trump supporting us, and my experience, being a military officer, an elected district attorney and an America First fighter too.”

— Clay Fuller, Republican candidate

“Everybody in the field understands that a Democrat cannot represent Georgia 14. It would be a tragedy for Georgia 14, a tragedy for the MAGA movement. And we're going to rally around as a party and go and win this thing and defeat Sean Harris.”

— Clay Fuller, Republican candidate

What’s next

The runoff election between Clay Fuller and Shawn Harris is scheduled for April 7, 2026. The winner will fill the vacant U.S. House seat in Georgia's 14th Congressional District.

The takeaway

This special election highlights the importance of Republican unity in holding onto vulnerable seats. The crowded GOP field allowed a Democrat to finish first in a deep-red district, but the runoff presents an opportunity for Republicans to consolidate support behind their Trump-backed candidate, Clay Fuller, and defend the seat.