Clay Fuller Claims Victory in Marjorie Taylor Greene's Former District Amid Rising Tensions

Sun Apr 12 2026 00:23:12 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Republican Clay Fuller wins a special election for Georgia's 14th District, backed by Donald Trump's endorsement despite concerns over U.S. foreign policy.

In a notable special election held in Georgia, Republican Clay Fuller emerged victorious in the race for Marjorie Taylor Greene's former congressional seat. Fuller, who received strong support from former President Donald Trump, won against Democratic opponent Shawn Harris, shifting the dynamics in a district heavily favoring Republicans. The election was marked by tensions stemming from Trump's aggressive rhetoric regarding Iran, which raised concerns among some voters about military engagement, though others saw Fuller's win as a confirmation of Trump's influence. As the U.S. approaches the midterm elections, Democrats seek to capitalize on momentum from unexpected successes in various races.

RINGGOLD, Ga. (AP) — Republican Clay Fuller on Tuesday won Marjorie Taylor Greene’s former U.S. House seat in Georgia, turning back a Democratic challenge with the help of President Donald Trump’s endorsement despite uneasiness over growing tensions in Iran.

In a deep red district that Greene won by 29 points and Trump carried by almost 37 points two years ago, Fuller was on track to prevail by about 12 points with almost all votes counted. This result contributes to a string of special elections where Democrats have exceeded expectations, an outcome that the party is hopeful will generate momentum heading into November's midterm elections, where control of Congress is at stake.

In another election held the same day, a Democratic-backed candidate for the Wisconsin Supreme Court won by double-digit margins, enhancing the liberal majority there.

Fuller insisted that his victory over Democratic candidate Shawn Harris signifies Trump's enduring influence. They couldn’t beat Donald Trump and they never will, he told supporters in Ringgold, near the Tennessee border. And I will be on Capitol Hill as a warrior to have his back each and every day.

However, Trump's escalating rhetoric raised concerns among some Republicans, even in this staunchly Republican district. Trump had previously indicated a deadline for Iran to negotiate with the United States, threatening dire consequences for their civilization if they failed to comply. After the polls closed in Georgia, Trump announced a two-week ceasefire to facilitate further negotiations.

Local resident Jason McGinty expressed concern that Trump might go too far and potentially commit war crimes with threats aimed at Iran's critical infrastructure. He stated he voted for Fuller to maintain the America First party. Retiree Judy McDonald expressed support for military action but admitted to feeling stressed over the conflict, predicting eventual peace through cessation of terrorism.

Harris, the Democratic candidate, framed his strong showing as a possible stepping stone toward future success, expressing aspirations to defeat Fuller in the next election. We’re going to beat him next time, said Harris after the election results.

Ultimately, Fuller aims to secure a full two-year term in an upcoming primary runoff in May, while Harris has already declared for November. In his victory statement, Fuller claimed resistance against Democratic funding efforts in his campaign. And what you’re seeing is the best that they can accomplish, he declared.

Fuller was endorsed by Trump who referred to him as a fantastic Candidate in a social media announcement just before the election, highlighting his priorities aligned with the former president's policies.