A free-for-all in Greene’s old district doubles as a GOP identity test

For some, unwavering loyalty to President Donald Trump remains the top priority. Others say they want a representative who focuses on crafting legislation and avoids the kind of constant national spotlight that Greene drew during her tumultuous tenure. And some advocate for a blend of both.

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

The answer could define not only the next chapter of Republican politics in one of the safest GOP districts in the nation but also how much the party’s base still prizes confrontation over consensus in a turbulent midterm year.

So far, what’s likely to be a five-election marathon to hold the seat has quickly become a political free-for-all. Trump is viewed as the ultimate endorsement, and his advisers have sounded out a string of potential contenders who made pilgrimages to the White House.

But the president hasn’t yet taken sides. The hopefuls who have rushed to fill the void include a prominent prosecutor, a contentious state senator and several local officials. No clear front-runner has emerged.

Another wildcard is Greene herself, who has said she won’t endorse and has pushed back on contenders who claim to be running with her blessing.

For some grassroots leaders, style matters less than how candidates handle everyday concerns.

Ricky Hess, chair of the Paulding County GOP, doesn’t yet have a favorite. But he said the strongest candidates are addressing property taxes, health care costs and the price of everyday goods.

“Voters want to know whether there’s a plan and real ideas for how to bring costs down,” he said. “What I’m hearing locally is that voters are less interested in branding and more interested in representation.”

Credit: AJC

Credit: AJC

Others note the district remains firmly aligned with Trump. And they expect the nominee to reflect that. Jackie Harling, chair of the 14th District GOP, said her key test hinges on who understands the district’s needs and can lead with “seriousness and conviction.”

“That means standing with the voters who overwhelmingly support President Trump and the America First policies that delivered results,” she said, “while staying grounded in the Constitution and accountable to the people back home, not Washington insiders.”

‘Enough is enough’

It’s one of the most conservative districts in the state — Greene carried nearly two-thirds of the vote last fall — but the special-election format adds an element of uncertainty.

With no party primary to select nominees, all the contenders will appear on the same March 10 special election ballot to finish Greene’s unexpired term. Since no candidates are expected to win a majority, an April 7 runoff between the top two finishers is likely.

There’s also an overlapping election for the full two-year term that begins in January 2027. That means there will likely be three additional votes in that race: the May party primary, a potential primary runoff and the November general election.

So far, the candidates run the gamut in both experience and style.

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC

State Sen. Colton Moore, who was ousted from the conservative Senate GOP caucus after clashes with Republican colleagues, has a history of incendiary acts, including a public wrestling match with a legislative staffer who tried to bar him from the House chamber last year.

Another top contender, Lookout Mountain District Attorney Clay Fuller, is viewed as more of a head-down conservative who is running as an “unapologetic America First fighter.”

Other GOP hopefuls include Dalton City Councilmember Nicky Lama, former Paulding County Commissioner Brian Stover and ex-Greene staffer Jim Tully. Adding to the group is Tom Gray, a pastor who said he’s focusing on “authenticity and sincerity” in his bid for conservative voters.

Credit: file

Credit: file

Then there’s Star Black, a GOP entrepreneur who said she doesn’t want to be a Greene-style politician — and would aim to restore “credibility and respect” to the office.

“I want to put statesmanship back into public service,” she said, “and focus on governing, not grandstanding.”

Gov. Brian Kemp was under pressure to quickly set a date for the election. The sudden death this week of Republican U.S. Rep. Doug LaMalfa of California trimmed the GOP’s slim control of the House to just 218 seats. The Democrats control 213.

The timing creates a nightmare scenario for some Republicans. In a fractured field, and with no party primary to winnow the list, party leaders worry a unified Democratic effort could make the race competitive.

Credit: Courtesy photo

Credit: Courtesy photo

The most prominent Democrat so far is Shawn Harris, a retired U.S. Army brigadier general and rancher who won nearly 135,000 votes in 2024 — the best showing for a Democrat in the district since it was created in 2010.

“The Democrats have a committee in most counties where there was nothing a decade ago,” said Jack Zibluk, a communications professor at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga who has closely watched the race. “So there’s the beginning of a real election infrastructure.”

Harris recently opened a campaign office in Rome and is courting Greene-skeptic voters across the district, banking that his centrist profile and focus on agriculture will earn a closer look.

Like Greene, Harris had scathing criticism for Republicans who failed to extend expiring health care subsidies at the end of the year. He said he handed out dozens of “Republicans for Shawn” signs at a campaign rally last week in an early sign of his crossover support.

“They are saying enough is enough, and they’re coming my way,” he said. “I’m building a coalition of voters who are saying it’s time for change.”