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Jefferson Today
By the People, for the People
Democrats Overperform in Georgia and Wisconsin Special Elections
Despite losses, Democrats show strength in key swing state races
Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:48am
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The Democratic Party's strong performance in recent special elections suggests the party remains competitive in key swing states and down-ballot races.Jefferson TodayIn a special congressional election in Georgia's 14th District, the Democratic candidate Shawn Harris overperformed by 25 points compared to the 2024 presidential results, marking the party's biggest special election overperformance since Trump took office. In Wisconsin, the Democratic-aligned state Supreme Court candidate Chris Taylor won by around 20 points, flipping historically Republican counties in a state that has been decided by less than a percentage point in recent presidential elections.
Why it matters
These results demonstrate the continued strength of the Democratic Party in special elections and down-ballot races, even in districts and states that lean Republican. The Georgia race in particular shows that the Iran war has not significantly hurt Democrats, while the Wisconsin outcome could have major implications for the state's political landscape going forward.
The details
In the Georgia 14th District special election, Republican Clay Fuller won as expected, but by less than 12 points in a district that Trump carried by 37 points in 2024. This represents a 25-point overperformance for the Democratic candidate Shawn Harris, the biggest such margin for Democrats in a special election since Trump took office. In Wisconsin, the Democratic-aligned state Supreme Court candidate Chris Taylor won by around 20 points, flipping historically Republican counties like Jefferson and potentially Ozaukee. This would be the biggest win for a Wisconsin state Supreme Court candidate since 2009.
- The Georgia special election was held on April 4, 2026.
- The Wisconsin state Supreme Court election was held on April 4, 2026.
The players
Shawn Harris
The Democratic candidate in the Georgia 14th District special election.
Clay Fuller
The Republican candidate who won the Georgia 14th District special election.
Chris Taylor
The Democratic-aligned candidate who won the Wisconsin state Supreme Court election.
Maria Lazar
The Republican-aligned candidate who ran against Chris Taylor in the Wisconsin state Supreme Court election.
What they’re saying
“These results demonstrate the continued strength of the Democratic Party in special elections and down-ballot races, even in districts and states that lean Republican.”
— Aaron Blake, Author
What’s next
The results of these elections could have implications for the 2026 midterm elections and beyond, as Democrats look to build on their momentum in key swing states.
The takeaway
Despite losses in the Georgia special congressional election, the Democratic Party showed impressive overperformance in both Georgia and Wisconsin, flipping historically Republican counties and winning state-level races by wide margins. These results suggest the party remains competitive in crucial swing states and down-ballot contests.
