The race to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in Georgia’s 14th Congressional District is heading to a runoff after no candidate secured a majority in the special election. Republican Clayton M. Fuller and Democrat Shawn Harris emerged as the top two candidates and will now compete in the next round of voting. The runoff election, scheduled for April 7, 2026, will determine who ultimately takes the congressional seat and represents the district in Washington.
Clayton Fuller and Shawn Harris Advance to Runoff in Georgia Special Election
Republican Clayton M. Fuller and Democrat Shawn Harris have advanced to a runoff in Georgia’s special election to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in the U.S. House of Representatives. The initial vote on March 10, 2026 featured a large field of candidates, but none received more than 50 percent of the vote, triggering a runoff between the top two contenders.
Fuller, a district attorney and lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard, entered the race with strong support from Republicans and received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, Harris, a retired Army brigadier general and cattle farmer, emerged as the leading Democratic candidate and gained attention for appealing to moderates and independent voters.
The runoff election is scheduled for April 7, 2026, and the winner will serve the remainder of Greene’s congressional term. The race has drawn national attention because the seat opened after Greene resigned earlier in 2026, and the outcome could influence the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives.
From Academic Excellence to Public Service: Clayton M. Fuller’s Early Journey
Clayton M. Fuller has built a career that blends law, public service, and military leadership. Known today as a district attorney in Georgia, Fuller’s path to public life started long before he entered a courtroom. His early years were shaped by a strong interest in education, leadership, and the idea of serving the public.
Growing up in the southern United States, Fuller developed an appreciation for community values and civic responsibility. Like many future lawyers, he was interested in how laws shape society and how the justice system works to protect people. Those interests gradually pushed him toward a career connected with law and government.
His academic journey began at Emory University, a respected private university in Atlanta, Georgia. There he studied English and completed his bachelor’s degree. Studying literature and language might seem far from the courtroom, but it helped Fuller develop important skills. Reading complex texts, analyzing ideas, and writing clearly are all valuable abilities for anyone planning to work in law.
After completing his undergraduate studies, Fuller continued his education at Cornell University, where he earned a Master of Public Administration (MPA). This program focuses on leadership, policy, and how government systems operate. During his time at Cornell, Fuller expanded his understanding of public institutions and the role they play in everyday life.
However, his ultimate goal was to become a lawyer. To pursue that dream, Fuller attended Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law. Law school introduced him to the deeper side of the legal profession—studying criminal law, courtroom procedures, constitutional rights, and legal ethics.
These years of study helped shape the foundation for his future career. More importantly, they reinforced his interest in working for the public rather than in private corporate law. Instead of focusing on business disputes or private clients, Fuller became interested in criminal prosecution, where the work directly affects community safety.
By the time he finished law school, Fuller had developed a clear goal: to work in the criminal justice system and help protect communities through the rule of law.
Inside the Courtroom: Clayton M. Fuller’s Career as a Prosecutor and District Attorney
After earning his law degree, Clayton M. Fuller stepped into the challenging world of criminal prosecution. He began working as an Assistant District Attorney in the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit in northwest Georgia. This region includes several counties, and prosecutors there handle cases ranging from minor offenses to serious violent crimes.
For a young prosecutor, the job can be intense. Courtrooms move quickly, cases require deep preparation, and each trial carries real consequences for the people involved. Fuller spent his early legal career building courtroom experience and learning how to handle complex criminal cases.
Over time, he prosecuted cases involving violent crime, drug trafficking, and other serious offenses. These cases often require close cooperation with law enforcement agencies, investigators, and victims. Prosecutors must review evidence carefully, question witnesses, and present clear arguments before judges and juries.
Colleagues in the legal community began to recognize Fuller for his dedication and work ethic. Prosecutors often deal with emotionally difficult situations, especially when crimes involve families or vulnerable victims. Handling such cases requires both legal skill and a sense of responsibility toward the community.
Years of courtroom experience eventually led Fuller to a leadership position. In 2023, he was sworn in as the District Attorney for the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit. In this role, he became the chief prosecutor for several counties, including Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, and Walker.
As district attorney, Fuller’s job is no longer limited to arguing cases in court. He leads a team of prosecutors and legal staff who work together to handle hundreds of criminal cases each year. His office reviews evidence, decides whether charges should be filed, and represents the state in court proceedings.
The district attorney’s office also works closely with police departments and sheriff’s offices across the region. Their shared goal is to ensure that crimes are investigated properly and that cases are handled fairly in court.
For Fuller, the position represents years of dedication to the justice system. It also places him in a role where his decisions affect not only individual cases but also the broader safety of the community.
Serving Beyond the Law: Clayton M. Fuller’s Commitment to the U.S. Air National Guard
While many prosecutors focus entirely on their legal careers, Clayton M. Fuller has also dedicated a large part of his life to military service. Alongside his work in the courtroom, he serves in the United States Air National Guard, a branch of the U.S. military that combines civilian careers with military responsibilities.
Fuller holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and serves as a Judge Advocate, which means he works as a military lawyer. Judge advocates provide legal advice to commanders and help ensure that military operations follow legal standards.
Military law can involve a wide range of issues, from advising commanders during operations to dealing with legal matters related to military personnel. In some cases, judge advocates also assist with international law and rules governing armed conflict.
Serving in the Air National Guard requires regular training and readiness. Members balance their civilian jobs with military duties, often attending drills, training sessions, and deployments when necessary.
At one point in his career, Fuller was deployed to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a major U.S. military facility in the Middle East. Deployments like these place service members far from home for extended periods, supporting military missions in complex environments.
His service has been recognized with several military awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. These honors reflect dedication and contributions during important missions.
Balancing a demanding legal career with military responsibilities is not easy. Yet for Fuller, the two roles share a common purpose—serving and protecting others. Whether working in a courtroom or advising military leaders, his responsibilities center on maintaining law, order, and security.
Marriage, Family, and the Personal Life of Clayton M. Fuller
Behind Clayton M. Fuller’s professional achievements is a personal life built around family and community. He is married to Kate Fuller, and together they have created a home life that supports his demanding career in law and military service.
The couple has two children, and family plays an important role in Fuller’s daily life. Public service careers often require long hours, court schedules, and occasional travel, but maintaining time with family remains a priority.
Those close to Fuller often note that his family has been a strong source of encouragement throughout his career. From his years in law school to his time in military deployments, their support has helped him balance the pressures of public service.
Outside of his professional responsibilities, Fuller has also taken part in community activities in northwest Georgia. Local leaders and public officials frequently work together on initiatives related to public safety, economic development, and community improvement.
District attorneys are often visible members of the community. They attend local meetings, work with law enforcement officials, and communicate with residents about legal issues affecting their counties. This connection with the public helps build trust between the justice system and the people it serves.
Despite holding a prominent legal position, Fuller generally keeps his personal life relatively private. Much of his time is dedicated to his work, military service, and raising his family.
His story reflects the life of someone committed to multiple forms of service—legal, military, and civic. For many people in northwest Georgia, Clayton M. Fuller represents a public official whose career has been shaped by education, responsibility, and a long-standing dedication to community safety.