Marjorie Taylor Greene’s November resignation has triggered a crowded Republican primary in Georgia’s strongly pro-Trump 14th District. Former Greene aide Jim Tully emphasizes local ties, while other candidates balance loyalty to Donald Trump with critiques of Greene’s confrontational style and abrupt departure. Trump’s endorsement of Clay Fuller could prove decisive as 16 Republicans vie for the March 10 primary and a likely April runoff. Voters and candidates remain divided—some feel betrayed by Greene’s exit, others still strongly support her.
Greene’s Exit and Feud With Trump Reshape Crowded GOP Race For Georgia’s 14th District
Then-Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) speaks during a hearing with the House Committee on Homeland Security in the Cannon House Office Building on December 11, 2025, in Washington, DC. - Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images/File
Marjorie Taylor Greene’s abrupt resignation in November has opened a competitive Republican special election in Georgia’s 14th Congressional District, a staunchly pro-Trump area. Sixteen Republicans have launched campaigns, and the March 10 primary is expected to set up an April runoff. The contest is already defined by two themes: loyalty to former President Donald Trump and divided views about Greene’s confrontational style and sudden departure.
Former Aide Emphasizes Local Ties
One candidate, Jim Tully, served as Greene’s senior district representative and has framed his campaign around continuity and local knowledge. Introducing himself on a conservative radio show in January, Tully said he launched his campaign shortly after Greene’s announcement to give voters a chance to “start over,” calling her resignation “a glaring loss in the district.” He has stressed his role as Greene’s “eyes and ears” in the district while emphasizing his connection to local voters.
Trump Loyalty, Endorsement, And Tactical Differences
Georgia’s 14th District is among the most pro-Trump districts in the country, particularly in its northern counties bordering Tennessee and Alabama. As a result, many candidates are competing to present themselves as Trump’s strongest local ally. This week Trump endorsed Clay Fuller, who resigned as a local district attorney to run. Fuller has said he would back the president even when he disagrees with administration positions.
Mixed Reactions To Greene Among Candidates
Candidates with deeper roots in local GOP politics—former county officials and party operatives—tend to balance deference to Greene with a pragmatic message of working constructively with Trump. For example, Brian Stover, a former county commissioner, praised Greene’s service but said he prefers quieter negotiation over a confrontational style and would address disagreements with Trump privately.
A view of "I'm a Georgia Voter" stickers on the penultimate day of early voting in Atlanta on October 29, 2020. - Brandon Bell/Reuters/File
Other contenders are more critical. Several newcomers who had less prior involvement in local GOP politics have openly faulted Greene’s approach as divisive and poorly focused. Star Black, a retired FEMA employee, said Greene was "polarizing" and lacked a concrete plan to solve problems. Meg Strickland, who campaigns on “return to normal,” criticized both Greene and, in contrast to most candidates, expressed public skepticism of Trump.
Calls For Unity—and Questions From Voters
Some entrants, including former state Sen. Colton Moore, presented Greene’s departure as an opportunity to unify the party behind Trump while signaling they would not simply be clones of past officeholders. Others voiced frustration at the timing of Greene’s resignation; several candidates and voters told CNN they felt confused or betrayed that she left in the middle of a term. Candidates such as Beau Brown, Jenna Turnipseed and Nicky Lama noted the political and practical disruptions caused by a special election.
“Many voters still love Greene, and some hope she and Trump could have resolved their differences,” said David Guldenschuh, a local attorney and conservative radio host who is also a former county GOP chair.
What To Watch
Watch for whether Trump’s endorsement of Clay Fuller reshapes fundraising and support, and whether candidates who emphasize private negotiation with the president can outperform those who lean on combative rhetoric. With the district’s strong pro-Trump electorate, most contenders are staking their bids on being the most reliable local ally to Trump—even as they offer differing visions of how to translate that loyalty into results for constituents.
Context: CNN reviewed public remarks from 12 of the 16 Republicans who have launched campaigns. The primary is scheduled for March 10, with a likely runoff in April.
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