The race to fill Georgia’s 14th Congressional District is officially underway, less than a week after Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene announced she will resign her seat effective January 5 — a full year before the end of her term.
A dozen candidates have already declared their intention to run, with several more considering a campaign. Greene, who has represented the district since 2021, stepped down after a public break with former President Donald Trump. The split came after Greene pushed for the release of the Epstein files, a move Trump ultimately authorized.
Once Greene’s resignation becomes official, Governor Brian Kemp will have 10 days to call a special election, which must be held at least 30 days after his announcement. The contest is not expected before mid-February.
Greene, who won re-election in 2024 by nearly 30 points — with even larger margins in Dade, Catoosa, Walker, Murray and Whitfield counties — said she will not endorse any candidate. In a post on X, she wrote, “Anyone claiming they have my endorsement would not be telling the truth.”
Declared Candidates
Star Black (Republican)
A retired Federal Emergency Management Agency employee, Black served 28 years with FEMA. Her platform focuses on government accountability, support for caregivers, term limits, and strengthening small businesses.
James “Marty” Brown (Undeclared Party)
A firefighter, paramedic and small business owner, Brown has worked 35 years in emergency services. His campaign messaging includes support for Second Amendment rights. He has not yet launched an official website.
Elvis Casely (Republican)
An actor running on a “Make America Healthy Again” platform, Casely wants gym memberships to be tax deductible. He says he hopes to bring “common sense back to Washington.”
Jeff Criswell (Republican)
A former 10th grade Language Arts teacher and founder of baseball equipment company A.D. Starr, Criswell previously ran for Congress in Georgia’s 6th District. His platform spans nearly a dozen issues, including warnings about artificial intelligence and extreme anti-Muslim proposals, including banning Muslims from the U.S. and closing mosques — positions that have already drawn sharp criticism.
Shawn Harris (Democrat)
A retired Army brigadier general and farmer, Harris previously challenged Greene in 2024, earning just over 35% of the vote. He is campaigning on expanding rural healthcare, passing a fully funded farm bill, and bringing new jobs to Northwest Georgia.
Christian Hurd (Republican)
A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Hurd says his top priority is “rebuilding, protecting and defending the American family.” He proposes a federal initiative to build new homes in urban areas, banning private equity firms from buying single-family houses, and prohibiting foreign ownership of American farmland.
Rob “Rush” Ruszkowski (Independent)
A small business owner, sales professional and life coach, Ruszkowski says he wants to represent “people, not a party.” He argues that Washington has ignored working families while catering to special interests.
Jim Tully (Republican)
The GOP 14th District chairman, Tully announced his candidacy in a social media video. A lifelong resident of the district, he identifies as an America First, MAGA-aligned conservative. He has not yet released policy priorities.
Jenna Turnipseed (Republican)
A U.S. Army veteran and business owner, Turnipseed has notified county GOP leaders of her intention to run. Her platform includes fiscal responsibility, reduced regulation, and expanded vocational and technical education.
Potential Candidates
Joseph Bergeman
A middle school history and science teacher, Bergeman said he is considering a run because he has “grown sick of Congress not attempting to mend the issue.”
Nicky Lama
A Dalton city councilmember and small business owner, Lama is weighing a campaign. He describes himself as an America First conservative focused on efficient government, transparency, public safety and economic growth.
State Sen. Colton Moore (Republican)
The senator from Georgia’s 53rd District is also considering the race. Moore said he would run to defend a “nation under siege,” citing inflation, border security, election integrity and Second Amendment rights as top issues. Moore made headlines in January after being arrested during a confrontation with House staff while attempting to enter the state House chamber for Governor Kemp’s State of the State address.
With Greene stepping down and the district deep-red but politically high-profile, the special election is expected to draw national attention as the crowded field begins its sprint toward a mid-February vote.