Democrat Shawn Harris to face Trump-endorsed Republican Clay Fuller in runoff to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene, CNN projects
Democrat Shawn Harris to face Trump-endorsed Republican Clay Fuller in runoff to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene, CNN projects
CNN has projected that Republican Clay Fuller will contest a runoff against Democrat Shawn Harris to fill the vacancy left by former GOP representative Marjorie Taylor Greene in Georgia’s 14th Congressional District. The race, which has highlighted the impact of Trump’s influence within the Republican Party, continues as a key test for the president’s ability to sway his base in a district that has historically leaned Republican.
Fuller, who resigned from his position as district attorney to run, gained momentum after securing Trump’s endorsement in February. However, the president’s backing was insufficient to consolidate the field of 12 GOP contenders, resulting in a runoff. Despite the setback, Fuller declared Tuesday’s results as a “victory” and emphasized the need for Republicans to unite behind his candidacy. “Trump’s endorsement made a difference, and we’re ready to win,” he stated during a watch party.
“We know that the endorsement from President Trump made a difference in this race, and we’re going to go and win it,” Fuller told reporters. “It’s time that the Republican vote unites and gets a representative to Capitol Hill as soon as possible.”
Harris, who narrowly edged out Fuller in the primary, asserted that the results demonstrated the viability of a Democratic candidate in a traditionally conservative district. “Yes, it’s ruby red,” he remarked. “It won’t turn blue, but it’ll definitely turn pink.”
“The results show that a Democrat can win in this heavily Republican district,” Harris added. “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shift the balance.”
Trump celebrated Fuller’s performance on Truth Social, noting the candidate’s strong showing amid a crowded field. “Congratulations to Clay Fuller, of Georgia’s 14th Congressional District, on getting such a high percentage of the vote,” he wrote. “We want to make the next vote ‘TOO BIG TO RIG.’ Clay will be a GREAT Congressman — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”
Some GOP candidates downplayed Trump’s role in the race, positioning themselves as independent voices. “This district belongs to the people, not just to the president,” said Jim Tully, a former Greene staffer. The contest’s outcome will determine whether the seat remains vacant until January, as Republicans attempt to secure a stronger foothold in the US House.
Fuller’s prior experience as a district attorney lent him a level of local credibility, particularly in the northern part of the district near Tennessee. His campaign also benefited from significant ad spending, with over $1.8 million allocated to his favor, including support from two outside groups. This marked more than double the spending of his nearest Republican rival.
Harris, a retired US Army brigadier general, challenged Greene in the 2024 election but lost by a wide margin. His current campaign focuses on affordability and positioning himself as an outsider to the political establishment. Since announcing his reentry into the race in mid-2025, Harris has raised over $4 million, surpassing the funds of his Republican opponents.
The runoff, scheduled for April 7, will decide the final outcome of the seat, which Trump won by 37 percentage points in 2024. While Fuller is expected to hold an advantage, the election will extend the period of congressional vacancy by another month, testing the party’s ability to maintain its narrow majority.
