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Georgia voters to pick Greene's successor in high-stakes special election
Residents of Georgia's 14th congressional district head to the polls Tuesday to fill the seat vacated by former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, whose polarizing legacy continues to shape the race despite her absence from the ballot.
Greene's divisive legacy looms over the race
Though Greene resigned in January after a public feud with former President Donald Trump, her influence remains palpable in the deeply conservative district. The firebrand congresswoman, known for her hardline Christian conservative views and embrace of conspiracy theories, won the seat in 2020 and quickly became one of the most visible-and controversial-Republicans in Washington.
"She did some stuff off the wall," said Justin Leonard, a 28-year-old firefighter who voted for Greene twice. "Kind of making conservatives look a little right-wing and a little like nut jobs. But other than that, I think she did her job."
Greene's break with Trump last year over his initial opposition to releasing Jeffrey Epstein's files sparked a bitter public spat. She labeled Trump's movement "a lie," while he called her "a traitor." The rift ultimately led to her resignation, though Trump later signed legislation mandating the release of the Epstein documents.
Trump's endorsement complicates crowded field
Seventeen candidates, including Democrats and Republicans, are vying to replace Greene. Trump has thrown his full support behind Clay Fuller, a former district attorney. "I've seen the Clay Fuller commercials-Trump wants him to win it," said Jeremy Ashley, a 52-year-old Republican voter, who cited the endorsement as a key factor in his decision.
Yet not all voters are swayed. Leonard, the firefighter, plans to back Beau Brown, a risk management consultant, prioritizing "professionalism" over Trump's pick. "I loved Trump to death and voted for him three times, but I want someone who can represent us well," he said.
If no candidate secures over 50% of the vote Tuesday, a runoff between the top two finishers-regardless of party-will be held April 7. The winner will serve the remainder of Greene's term and must then campaign again in November's general election.
Moore channels Greene's defiance without her baggage
State Sen. Colton Moore, a Republican who did not earn Trump's endorsement, has emerged as a wildcard in the race. Like Greene, Moore is unafraid to challenge GOP leadership-he was banned from Georgia's statehouse floor in 2024 after accusing the late Republican Speaker David Ralston of corruption during a memorial service. The following year, he was arrested for attempting to enter the chamber during the governor's speech.
Moore's campaign website features his mugshot alongside Trump's 2023 booking photo, a nod to their shared outsider status. "Marjorie is gone," Moore told the BBC. "This is a new election for a new day. One thing that's very different between Marjorie and I is I'm not a quitter."
Benito Rubino, a 21-year-old campaign volunteer, compared Moore's appeal to Greene's. "Colton has that same appeal as Marjorie. She called out corruption, and that really spoke to people." But Rubino acknowledged frustration with Greene's early exit: "Nobody's happy she quit so soon. It's making it easier for Democrats to possibly win."
Democrats eye rare opening in Republican stronghold
Shawn Harris, a local farmer and retired brigadier general, is the leading Democratic candidate. He lost to Greene in 2024 by nearly 30 points but sees an opportunity in the fractured Republican field. "Marjorie was larger than life," Harris said. "This time, I'm running against 16 other people."
Harris spent Sunday canvassing in Marietta, urging Democratic voters to turn out. "My best shot is winning outright Tuesday," he said. "If it goes to a runoff, Republicans will rally behind one candidate, and it'll be tougher."
Parin Chheda, a volunteer with the Cobb County Democrats, echoed the optimism. "I just want the headline: Democrats flip Marjorie Taylor Greene's district." Still, the district's conservative lean makes an upset unlikely-Greene won 64% of the vote in 2024, while Harris took just 35%.
Foreign policy and loyalty dominate voter concerns
Greene's criticism of Trump's foreign policy has resonated with some voters. "We campaigned on NO MORE FOREIGN WARS OR REGIME CHANGE!!! Liars every single one of them!" she posted on X days before the election. Nicholas Fennell, a 42-year-old Greene supporter, said her shift in allegiance cost her his vote. "I feel like she flipped the script when she and Trump didn't get along."
Fennell plans to vote for Moore, valuing Trump's endorsement but not treating it as decisive. "I take his opinion into consideration, but it's not the final word."
"All the swamp money is being spent against us. We've got the volunteers and the grassroots. Our opponents have the swamp money."
Colton Moore, Republican candidate
