Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene shocked the political world on November 21, 2025, when she announced her resignation from Congress, effective January 5, 2026. The decision came after a bitter public fallout with President Donald Trump, centered on her aggressive push for the full release of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents. Greene had championed legislation to force the Department of Justice to disclose the files, putting her at odds with the president, who initially resisted before eventually shifting his stance. The feud escalated quickly, with Trump publicly withdrawing support and reviving his old nickname for her as “wacky.” Greene, in a lengthy video statement, cited irreconcilable differences with the administration and a desire to step away from Washington amid the personal attacks.
The northwest Georgia district, a stronghold of America First conservatism that delivered massive margins for Trump in both 2016 and 2024, now faces an open seat for the first time since Greene’s initial election in 2020. The resignation leaves a void in one of the nation’s safest Republican districts, where the America First agenda has dominated elections for years.
Special Election Format Favors Bold Conservatives
Governor Brian Kemp is required to call the special election shortly after the vacancy occurs in January, with the vote likely scheduled for early spring 2026. Georgia’s special election rules use a jungle primary system: all candidates from all parties appear on the same ballot. If no one secures more than 50 percent, the top two advance to a runoff.
The 14th District remains overwhelmingly Republican, with a partisan lean that has consistently produced landslides for conservative candidates. The eventual Republican nominee—or the leading Republican in the jungle primary—is virtually assured victory in this deeply red territory.
Crowded Republican Field Emerges Quickly
The Republican primary battlefield is already filling fast, with a mix of local officials, business leaders, and national firebrands vying to claim Greene’s mantle as the district’s uncompromising voice.
Among the declared candidates:
- State Senator Colton Moore stands out as an early favorite. The Trenton-based lawmaker has built a reputation as one of Georgia’s most fearless America First warriors, previously facing party discipline for his refusal to compromise on election integrity issues and his full-throated support for President Trump’s agenda. His local roots in the district and proven ability to mobilize the base give him a clear edge in a low-turnout special election.
- John Cowan, the neurosurgeon who forced Greene into a 2020 runoff, has publicly expressed interest in running again. Cowan positioned himself that year as the more measured, business-oriented alternative, but the district ultimately preferred Greene’s combative style. His name recognition remains high, though the current mood strongly favors unapologetic fighters.
- Laura Loomer, the investigative journalist and staunch Trump loyalist, is listed as potential but has not yet declared. If she enters, her national profile and relentless America First advocacy would instantly make her a frontrunner. Few candidates match her visibility among the MAGA grassroots, and her willingness to confront the establishment could resonate powerfully in a district that sent Greene to Congress precisely for that reason.
Other declared or interested Republicans include:
- Jim Tully, the current 14th District Republican Party chairman and former congressional staffer, who brings organizational muscle and insider connections.
- Christian Hurd, an intelligence professional positioning himself on national security and border issues.
- Nicky Lama, Dalton city councilmember with local government experience.
- Jared Craig, a Newnan attorney who previously challenged in a neighboring district.
- Several others testing the waters, including state senators Jason Anavitarte and Chuck Payne, district attorney Clayton Fuller, and utility executive Matt Sawhill.
Star Black, a former FEMA official, and entrepreneur Elvis Casely round out the declared field so far, while teacher Jeff Criswell has also filed.
Greene has publicly stated she will not endorse anyone in the race, a move widely seen as avoiding a direct proxy battle with President Trump. Trump himself has not yet weighed in with an endorsement, but his backing in this environment would be decisive.
Democratic Hopeful Faces Uphill Battle
On the Democratic side, retired Army Brigadier General Shawn Harris—who challenged Greene in 2024 and performed respectably for a Democrat in the district—has declared his candidacy. Harris emphasizes military service and rural issues, but the district’s overwhelming Republican tilt makes his path to victory nearly impossible absent a massively split GOP vote.
America First Mantle Up for Grabs
The central question in this race is who will carry forward the uncompromising, America First legacy Greene built. The district rewarded her willingness to fight the swamp, expose corruption, and put country over party politics. Candidates who demonstrate absolute loyalty to President Trump’s agenda—especially on border security, election integrity, cutting waste, and draining the deep state—will have the advantage.
Colton Moore currently holds the strongest position among declared candidates, combining local ties with proven conservative credentials. Laura Loomer, should she jump in, would immediately become the candidate to beat because of her national megaphone and track record of taking the fight directly to the establishment. John Cowan and the party insiders will struggle to generate the same intensity.
With no public polling yet available and the field still growing, the race remains fluid. But one thing is certain: northwest Georgia voters will demand a representative who fights as hard as Greene did. Anything less, and they will send the candidate home. The special election will reveal whether the America First movement in the 14th District remains as potent as ever—or whether the Trump-Greene split opens the door for a more conventional Republican. Early momentum favors the boldest voices.