Atlanta, March 10: Voters in northwest Georgia headed to the polls on Tuesday in a closely watched special election to replace former Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, whose resignation earlier this year triggered a race that is now testing both the influence of former President Donald Trump and the direction of the conservative movement in the region.
Although Greene’s name is not on the ballot, her political legacy continues to shape the campaign in Georgia’s 14th Congressional District. For several years she was one of the most recognizable and controversial figures in American politics, building a reputation as a staunch conservative voice closely aligned with Trump and the “America First” agenda.
Local voters say her presence still looms over the race. One candidate, Republican Colton Moore, emphasized that the district must move forward, saying the election represents “a new day.” At the same time, several voters described Greene as a polarizing figure who energized conservative supporters but also created divisions within the Republican base.
The special election follows a dramatic political fallout between Greene and Trump. Once a strong ally of the former president, Greene publicly criticized his policies and accused his political movement of betraying core promises. Trump responded sharply, calling Greene a “traitor,” turning their disagreement into a high-profile feud that eventually led to her resignation from Congress in January.
Trump has since endorsed Clay Fuller, a former district attorney, giving him what he described as his “complete and total endorsement.” Fuller has presented himself as a loyal supporter of Trump’s policies and a defender of the MAGA agenda. Some Republican voters say the endorsement carries weight in helping them choose among the large number of candidates competing in the race.
However, not all voters say the president’s support is decisive. Several residents noted that while Trump’s opinion matters, they are evaluating candidates based on their experience, professionalism and commitment to local issues rather than endorsements alone.
The crowded ballot includes 17 candidates from both major parties. Because it is a non-partisan special election format, all candidates appear on the same ballot. If none receives more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two finishers will advance to a runoff scheduled for April 7.
For Democrats, the unusual circumstances have created a rare opportunity in a district that has long been dominated by Republicans. Democratic candidate Shawn Harris, a farmer and retired brigadier general, said the absence of Greene from the race changes the political dynamics and opens the door for a more competitive contest.
Still, the district remains a Republican stronghold, and analysts say the eventual winner is likely to come from the GOP field if conservative voters consolidate behind one candidate in a runoff.
The victor will serve the remaining months of Greene’s term in Congress before facing voters again in the regularly scheduled midterm election in November, ensuring that political campaigning in the district will continue well beyond the current special election.
