ATLANTA - The two candidates running to replace former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R) in Georgia's 14th Congressional District faced off in a debate Sunday, offering a contrast in both tone and policy ahead of the April 7 runoff election.
Democrat Shawn Harris and Republican Clay Fuller, President Trump's endorsed candidate, used the stage to draw sharp distinctions on foreign policy, the economy and the direction of the country.
Iran emerged as one of the central issues in the debate.
"This is a war of choice," said Harris, a retired Army brigadier general. He went on to say the president was advised not to enter into the conflict. "[President Donald Trump] said he would never get us into any more forever wars. We are currently in a forever war."
Harris framed the conflict as a test of leadership and accountability, arguing that voters in northwest Georgia should be concerned about the long‑term consequences of U.S. involvement abroad. He also pointed to the price of gasoline and groceries for residents in northwest Georgia.
"We should not put ground troops on the ground... We should be trying to pull out of it," Harris said. "The focus should be on, how do we get this economy back together? How do we take care of our farmers and how do we take care of all the hardworking people in Northwest Georgia? They can't buy groceries. They can't afford fuel, and all our farmers are struggling."
Fuller, a district attorney for the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit, stated his support for the war in Iran.
"Our country is safer because of what President Trump has done regarding Iran," Fuller said. "It is a death cult that cannot be negotiated with."
He also referenced alliances in the region, saying that working with Israel helps solve counterterrorism efforts in the Middle East.
On domestic issues, Fuller largely focused on the economy, where he aligned himself closely with Trump's policies, record and immigration enforcement positions.
"The policies of President Trump are working for the people of GA-14. Again, he inherited the worst economic inflationary crisis than any president in the last 50 years," Fuller said.
Fuller emphasized economic recovery, inflation and job growth as key priorities for the district, arguing that Republican leadership has delivered tangible results. While he did discuss foreign policy, his campaign messaging continues to center on economic performance and support for Trump‑era policies.
Greene resigned in January. Neither of these top two finishers from the March 10 special election received a majority, sending both to an April 7 runoff. The winner will finish Greene's term, which ends next January.
Harris ran against Greene in the 2024 general election. Greene won about 64 percent of the vote.