Marjorie Taylor Greene’s announcement that she will resign from Congress has sparked an immediate scramble among candidates to claim her seat in Georgia’s 14th Congressional District. Greene, a prominent figure in the Republican Party, is stepping down effective January 5, 2026, citing internal party disputes. Her departure opens the door to a potentially competitive special election in a district historically dominated by Republicans.
Several Republican candidates have already declared their intentions. Jim Tully, chair of the district GOP and a former staffer for Greene, is positioning himself as a continuity candidate, promising to uphold the policies and priorities favored by Greene’s supporters. Businessman Jeff Criswell, a sports memorabilia store owner, is also running, seeking to leverage his local connections and previous campaign experience to appeal to conservative voters. Christian Hurd, a Marine Corps veteran, has emphasized issues such as housing, infrastructure, and clean energy, while Star Black, a former FEMA official, has focused her campaign on economic development and caregiver support.
Democrats are also entering the race, though historically the 14th District leans Republican. Shawn Harris, a cattle rancher and retired brigadier general, who ran unsuccessfully against Greene in 2024, has already announced his candidacy. A few independent and third-party candidates have filed paperwork as well, but their prospects in the heavily Republican district remain uncertain.
The special election process is governed by Georgia law. After Greene’s resignation becomes official on January 5, the state’s governor must call the election within ten days, with the vote held at least 30 days later. If no candidate secures a majority of over 50%, a runoff election will follow between the top two vote-getters. The winner will serve the remainder of Greene’s term but will face reelection during the 2026 midterms, potentially making this seat a focal point for national attention.
Political analysts are watching this race closely because the absence of an incumbent could make the contest unexpectedly competitive. Republicans face a strategic choice between candidates who align closely with Greene’s style and policies or those presenting a more moderate, establishment-focused approach. For Democrats, the open seat offers a chance, however slim, to test voter sentiment and potentially push for a competitive showing in a traditionally red district.
Fundraising, early endorsements, and voter turnout will be critical in shaping the race. With multiple candidates in both parties, vote splitting could be decisive, potentially forcing a runoff. The outcome may also signal how strongly Greene’s brand of politics continues to influence the local GOP and whether new Republican leaders can emerge in her absence.
As candidates ramp up campaigns, the 14th District’s special election is already drawing national attention. Observers see it as a test of party loyalty, campaign strategy, and voter engagement ahead of the 2026 midterms — making it a race to watch in Georgia politics.
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