Candidates Emerge for Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Seat in Georgia
With Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stepping down, the race to fill her seat is heating up. The 14th Congressional District in northwest Georgia is now crowded with Republican contenders, many of whom have either filed or indicated their intentions to run in the upcoming special election.
Two prominent candidates have already registered with the Federal Election Commission. There’s a business owner and former FEMA employee, known as Star Black, who has lived in Kennesaw for nearly two decades, and Jeff Criswell, who runs a sports memorabilia store in metro Atlanta. Criswell previously ran against Democrat Lucy McBath in the 2024 election but didn’t succeed.
James Talley, the chair of the 14th District Republican Party and a key supporter of Greene, has declared his candidacy as well. “I am absolutely running for Congress in the powerful 14th Congressional District in northwest Georgia,” he announced, emphasizing his commitment to continue serving the community.
Another candidate, Elvis Cayley, a former salesman and actor, has also thrown his hat in the ring, focusing on consumer protection and family policies.
There are other potential candidates mulling their options too. For instance, Nikki Lama, a small business owner and Dalton City Council member, is considering a run. State Senator Colton Moore, who has built a reputation for being somewhat of a maverick within his party, has also shown interest. He was arrested earlier this year at the State Capitol amidst a disturbance, leading to charges of obstructing law enforcement.
Some in the Republican Party are voicing concerns about the crowded field. A source noted that the departure of an incumbent often triggers a chain reaction, leading to multiple candidates emerging for various offices. The worry isn’t necessarily about specific individuals but about the potential chaos that could result in the loss of critical seats.
Additional candidates are still weighing the possibility of running but have not yet filed. Among them are a Marine Corps veteran from Whitfield County and a middle school teacher. Also, Newnan attorney Jared Craig has launched his campaign to claim Greene’s former position, after previously aiming for another congressional seat.
