Democrats Hope to Flip Deep Red Georgia District in Special Election

The contest for Marjorie Taylor Greene's former seat could continue a streak of special election results that have shown a significant shift to the left.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:50pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of a Georgia state government building or other political landmark, with the structure bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and surrounded by deep shadows, creating a contemplative and nostalgic mood.The special election in Georgia's 14th Congressional District could signal broader political shifts, as Democrats seek to flip a historically deep-red district.Rome Today

A special election in Georgia's 14th Congressional District, the seat most recently held by former Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, is the latest opportunity for Democrats to show their strength in special elections. The race advanced to a runoff when neither Shawn Harris, the Democrat, nor Clay Fuller, the Republican, received a majority of the vote in March. The northwestern corner of Georgia has historically been a Republican stronghold, but in a crowded field, it was Mr. Harris who came out on top with 37 percent of the vote.

Why it matters

Special elections typically draw fewer voters than those that happen on a more regular cycle, and the voters who turn out are typically older, more politically engaged, and more likely to be college graduates. Add to that the political headwinds of being the party out of power in the White House during a midterm year, and it would not be unreasonable to surmise that another Democratic shift will happen in this race.

The details

Mr. Harris coming out on top was influenced heavily by the large number of Republican competitors, but since the start of 2025, Democrats have outperformed Kamala Harris's 2024 margins in every House special election where they faced off against a Republican. The 37-point swing away from Mr. Trump's 2024 result that Democrats would need to flip the seat is outside of the range seen in special congressional elections since 2025.

  • The special election in Georgia's 14th Congressional District was held in March 2026.
  • The race advanced to a runoff when neither Shawn Harris, the Democrat, nor Clay Fuller, the Republican, received a majority of the vote.

The players

Shawn Harris

The Democratic candidate in the special election for Georgia's 14th Congressional District.

Clay Fuller

The Republican candidate in the special election for Georgia's 14th Congressional District.

Marjorie Taylor Greene

The former Representative of Georgia's 14th Congressional District.

Kamala Harris

The 2024 Democratic presidential candidate.

Donald Trump

The 2024 Republican presidential candidate.

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What they’re saying

“Special elections, which are called to fill vacated seats, typically draw fewer voters than those that happen on a more regular cycle. The voters who turn out for special elections are typically older and more politically engaged, as well as more likely to be college graduates.”

— Christine Zhang, Author

What’s next

The runoff election between Shawn Harris and Clay Fuller will be held on May 20, 2026.

The takeaway

This special election in Georgia's 14th Congressional District is a crucial test for Democrats, who have been outperforming their 2024 margins in recent House special elections. A win here could signal a significant shift in the political landscape, even in a historically deep-red district.