ATLANTA — President Donald Trump has thrown his weight behind Clayton Fuller, a district attorney and Air National Guard officer, in the race to fill the U.S. House seat in Georgia's 14th Congressional District, recently vacated by former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. The endorsement, announced on Wednesday via Trump's Truth Social platform, comes amid a special election set for March 10, 2026, to replace Greene, who left office following a bitter public rift with the president.
Trump's support for Fuller highlights ongoing tensions within the Republican Party in Georgia, where loyalties to the former president remain a key factor in primaries and special elections. Fuller, the district attorney for the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit, filed paperwork to run in the special election on January 12, 2026, positioning himself as a staunch advocate for Trump's 'America First' agenda.
In his endorsement post, Trump praised Fuller's background and policy priorities. 'It is my Great Honor to endorse America First Patriot, Clay Fuller, who is running to represent the wonderful people of Georgia’s 14th Congressional District,' Trump wrote. He added that as district attorney and Air National Guard officer, Fuller 'knows the Wisdom and Courage required to Defend our Country, Support our Brave Military/Veterans, and Ensure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.'
Trump outlined specific issues Fuller would champion in Congress, including growing the economy, cutting taxes and regulations, promoting 'MADE IN THE U.S.A.' manufacturing, unleashing American energy dominance, securing the border, stopping migrant crime, safeguarding elections, supporting school choice, and defending the Second Amendment. 'As your next Congressman, Clay will fight tirelessly' on these fronts, Trump declared.
The president also noted Fuller's backing from prominent figures. 'He is strongly supported by the most Highly Respected MAGA Warriors in Georgia, and many Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives,' Trump said. He concluded with a full-throated endorsement: 'Clay Fuller has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Representative from Georgia’s 14th Congressional District – HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!'
Fuller quickly responded to the endorsement on X, formerly known as Twitter. 'THANK YOU, Mr. President. This is the honor of a lifetime. I will not let you or Georgia’s 14th District down. Our work to put America first is just getting started!' the candidate posted.
The vacancy in Georgia's 14th District arose earlier this year when Greene, a firebrand Republican known for her vocal support of Trump during his first term, decided to step down after a public falling out. Once a close ally, Greene had criticized Trump's policies and leadership in recent months, prompting sharp rebukes from the president. Last year, Trump referred to her as 'Marjorie ‘Traitor’ Brown' in a series of social media attacks, accusing her of betraying Republican principles.
Greene's departure from the House marks a significant shift in the district, which spans northwest Georgia and has been a Republican stronghold since its creation in 2022. The area includes parts of Chattanooga's metropolitan region and rural counties, where conservative voters have consistently backed Trump-aligned candidates. Greene won the seat in 2022 and 2024 with strong margins, often exceeding 70% of the vote, but her exit has opened the door for new contenders in a special election process governed by state law.
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced the special election timeline last month. According to Raffensperger's call for the election, the primary will occur on March 10, 2026, with a potential runoff on April 7 if no candidate secures a majority. 'A Special Runoff Election, if needed, shall be held on April 7, 2026,' Raffensperger stated in the official notice.
Under Georgia's election rules for special elections, all candidates, regardless of party, compete in a single nonpartisan primary. If a candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, they win outright; otherwise, the top two advance to the runoff. This format, similar to the state's jungle primary system, could lead to a crowded field, though Fuller's early endorsement from Trump positions him as a frontrunner among Republicans.
While Fuller has garnered high-profile support, other candidates have also entered the race, though details on their campaigns remain sparse at this early stage. Local Republican leaders in the district have expressed enthusiasm for Trump's pick, viewing it as a boost to conservative turnout. One unnamed GOP strategist in Georgia told reporters that the endorsement 'solidifies the MAGA base in the 14th, making it tough for moderates or Democrats to compete.'
The special election occurs against a backdrop of national Republican efforts to maintain their slim House majority. As of late 2025, the GOP holds a one-vote edge, with recent swearing-in of a new Democratic member further tightening the balance. House Speaker Mike Johnson has emphasized the importance of holding seats like Georgia's 14th, which analysts see as safely Republican but vulnerable to low-turnout special elections.
Greene's tenure was marked by controversy, including her defense of high-profile arrests and her clashes with both parties. In one recent instance, she publicly supported the arrest of former CNN anchor Don Lemon on civil rights charges, calling it 'activism' in a statement. Her falling out with Trump stemmed from disagreements over election integrity and party strategy, issues that continue to divide the GOP base.
Fuller's professional background adds a layer of credibility to his candidacy. As district attorney, he has prosecuted cases involving drug trafficking and violent crime in the Lookout Mountain region, which covers six counties in northwest Georgia. His service in the Air National Guard, where he has risen to the rank of major, underscores his commitment to national security, a theme echoed in Trump's endorsement.
Looking ahead, the March 10 election could influence broader Republican dynamics in Georgia, a state that has been pivotal in national politics since the 2020 presidential race. With Trump actively shaping the party's direction through endorsements, victories in districts like the 14th could reinforce his influence heading into future cycles. Campaign filings show Fuller has already raised modest funds, primarily from local donors and Trump-aligned PACs, setting the stage for a competitive but likely Republican-held seat.
As the special election approaches, voters in Georgia's 14th will weigh Fuller's prosecutorial experience and military service against other entrants. Raffensperger's office has urged eligible voters to check registration status ahead of the March date, emphasizing the importance of participation in this key contest.