In the heart of Georgia’s conservative northwest, a political movement rarely seen in this region is stirring. Hundreds gathered in the town of Rome, capturing the attention of residents like Kimberly Seals, who has long felt isolated in her liberal views. This unexpected turnout was to support Democratic hopeful Shawn Harris, with Pete Buttigieg lending his voice to the campaign.
Harris, a farmer and retired Army general, is attempting to fill the seat left vacant by Marjorie Taylor Greene, who stepped down following a disagreement with former President Donald Trump. He faces opposition from Republican candidate Clay Fuller, a district attorney, in a runoff scheduled for April 7.
The Democratic Party is eyeing the upcoming midterms with cautious optimism, buoyed by unexpected successes in recent special elections. As early voting kicks off, there’s a surge of hope among Democrats looking to shift the political landscape.
Buttigieg, a former mayor and presidential candidate, and the current transportation secretary, remarked, “I believe that there is no such thing as a permanently red district or state or town.” He emphasized a nationwide shift in political sentiments, a trend Harris aims to capitalize on in his second campaign for Georgia’s 14th District.
Campaigning on the Ground
Harris, dressed casually in jeans and sneakers, has been engaging with voters personally, a tactic that seems to be paying off. Local resident Phoebe Johnson noted his attention to pressing issues like rising grocery prices and the fallout from tariffs.
Harris, a retired brigadier general who served in Afghanistan, now runs a cattle farm in Rockmart. He believes his background resonates with the working-class voters he aims to represent. “I went right back to work with my hands and built a cattle farm that I live on every day,” Harris said, highlighting his connection to the community.
Supporters like Odell Battle appreciate Harris’ dedication to local issues, with Battle noting, “This man is here to serve the community.”
Challenges from the Right
Despite Harris finishing first among Democrats in the March 10 election, the Republican vote was divided among several candidates. Conservative pundits, such as Buzz Brockway, remain skeptical of a Democratic victory in this historically red district.
Clay Fuller, described as “central casting” by Jay Morgan, former executive director of the Georgia Republican Party, represents a more traditional choice for Republicans. Many in the party are relieved that Fuller, rather than a more controversial figure, will face Harris in the runoff.
While some Republicans in the district continue to back Trump and Fuller, others are reportedly considering a change. Vincent Mendes, Democratic Chair of Floyd County, suggests that voters are seeking genuine representation over headline-chasing.
Georgia Democratic Party Chair Charlie Bailey sees Harris’ campaign as pivotal, not just for the district but for boosting Democrats statewide. “Shawn is building momentum right now that will keep growing all the way through November,” Bailey stated, seeing it as a chance to energize Democrats across North Georgia.
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Kramon is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
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