Tuskegee University grad Shawn Harris is running in Georgia’s 14th Congressional District 14 race to replace former MAGA firebrand Marjorie Taylor Green.
Who is Shawn Harris
The retired brigadier general now runs his family’s cattle farm in Polk County. He grew up in Blakely, Georgia, and his wife, Kayla, is a family physician. Together they have five sons and four grandchildren.
He holds a degree in agribusiness from Tuskegee and holds a degree in strategic studies from the Army War College. While serving in the military for 40 years, he was stationed in Afghanistan, Liberia, and other posts around the world.
In 2024, Harris ran unsuccessfully against Green, receiving 35% of the vote.
His platform
Harris’ campaign is focused on agriculture and protecting small farmers, as well as rural health care and mental health access, restoring Roe v. Wade protections, affordability and the economy, border security, and veterans.
“The rising cost of living keeps everyone working extra hard to make ends meet,” Harris shared on his campaign website. “And everyday people just don’t feel like anyone’s listening to them.
“The way I see it, Georgians work hard. But our hard work would go a lot farther if we had someone in Congress working to raise Georgians’ pay and lower costs, so everybody can have the tools and opportunities to build a good life. We should be building things here again, exporting American products instead of American jobs, and growing our economy with more quality, good-paying jobs close to home here in North Georgia.”
Harris says he wants to build bipartisan support for his campaign. “Yes, I’m a Democrat. But I am not tied to the party,” Harris told 11Alive.
His message has drawn an endorsement from the president’s sister, Mary L. Trump.
“Shawn Harris has shown the courage, integrity, and commitment to our country that we desperately need in Congress,” Trump said. “He’s a veteran, a leader, and someone who understands the mission of serving Georgia families who work hard for their communities.
Who are the other candidates
Since Green stepped down from her post in January, more than 20 challengers entered the race to represent northwest Georgia. There are currently 13 Republicans, three Democrats, one Libertarian and an independent running.
The Republican field consists of Star Black, Reagan Box, Beau Brown, Eric Cunningham, Clayton Fuller, Tom Gray, Trey Kelly, Nicky Lama, Colton Moore, Brian Stover, Meg Strickland, James Tully, and Jenna Turnipseed.
Andrew Underwood is running as a Libertarian and Rob “Rush” Ruszkowski is running as an independent.
In addition to Harris, Jim Davis and Jonathan Hobbs are running on the Democratic ticket.
Georgia’s 14th District covers Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Murray, Paulding, Polk, Walker and Whitfield counties and portions of Cobb County.
Early voting in the special election began Feb. 16 for the March 10 election. The winner will serve out the remainder of Greene’s term and then run for reelection in November. The result could help tip the scales in a House of Representatives with 218 Republicans and 214 Democrats.
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