Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Mar 10: Voters in Georgia headed to the polls on Tuesday to elect a new representative for the state’s 14th Congressional District following the resignation of Marjorie Taylor Greene.
The special election features all candidates on a single ballot regardless of party affiliation. A total of 17 Republicans, three Democrats, along with a Libertarian and an independent candidate are contesting the seat. If no candidate secures more than 50 per cent of the vote, the top two candidates will face a runoff on April 7.
Several Republican candidates have aligned themselves with the “Make America Great Again” agenda of Donald Trump, though some differences have emerged within the party. Among the contenders is former state senator Colton Moore, who has previously criticised aspects of the handling of files linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Another prominent Republican candidate is prosecutor and Air Force veteran Clay Fuller, who has received Trump’s endorsement. Fuller has campaigned strongly on issues such as border security and immigration, pledging to support the former president’s policy agenda if elected to Congress.
The district strongly favours Republicans. Trump won the constituency by a margin of 37 percentage points in the 2024 presidential election, while Greene had previously secured a comfortable victory in the seat.
Despite the Republican advantage, three Democratic candidates are also in the race. They include retired Army Brigadier General Shawn Harris, attorney Jonathan Hobbs and author Jim Davis. Libertarian candidate Andrew Underwood and independent candidate Rob Ruszkowski are also contesting.
Harris, who previously ran against Greene, said he has received threats during the campaign and now wears a bulletproof vest at some campaign events. He has nonetheless expressed optimism about his chances, particularly if the large Republican field divides the conservative vote. Harris has also received an endorsement from former US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
The election campaign has seen heavy spending on advertisements, with Republican candidates exchanging attacks in a media battle exceeding $2.5 million.
Meanwhile, voters in Mississippi are also participating in primary elections. Democratic Congressman Bennie Thompson faces a challenge from Evan Turnage, a former aide to Chuck Schumer and Elizabeth Warren.
In the Senate race, Republican Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, who has been endorsed by Trump, is seeking another term and faces physician Sarah Adlakha in the primary.
Political observers say the outcomes will offer insights into voter sentiment ahead of upcoming elections in several key districts across the United States.