ATLANTA, Ga. (WDEF) – Today, the Congressional District 14 special election runoff debate took place in Atlanta, between candidates Clay Fuller and Shawn Harris.
News 12 attended the debate and heard the candidates address issues that constituents care most about.
Moderator Condace Pressley opened the discussion by highlighting how the race narrowed to two candidates.
“The race started with 22 qualified candidates. Republican Clay Fuller and Democrat Shawn Harris are the two remaining in the race.”
As voters in the 14th District prepare to cast their ballots on April 7, both candidates took the stage to share their positions and connect with constituents.
Shawn Harris emphasized his independence and commitment to voters.
“I am your candidate that’s going to fight directly for you, period. I’m the only candidate who can stand here today and say that I’m a Democrat, but I’m not tied to the party.”
Clay Fuller focused on his background and experience.
“I’m a cancer survivor, Air Force officer, an America First prosecutor. I’m one of you. As a military veteran and prosecutor, I wore the uniform and I fought for this country and in the courtrooms of this community.”
Following the debate, News 12 had the opportunity to ask both candidates about issues at the forefront of voters’ minds, including rising gas, grocery, and housing costs.
Harris said leadership requires standing firm and working across the aisle when necessary.
“That’s what the people here know. Georgia needs to vote for somebody that can stand on its own two feet, look a man in the eye and say stop. How does this actually affect the people of Northwest Georgia. If it does not work for them, we are going to push back hard. We will reach across the aisle, get the yes, and make sure that we take care of everybody.”
Fuller pointed to economic policies he believes will provide relief for working families.
“There is no tax on tips. There is no tax on overtime. There is no tax on Social Security. What that means is your money is going back into your pocket. Those are the long-term economic policies that we are going to fight for that are actually making a difference for hardworking Georgians and hardworking people across the country.”
During the debate, Harris also questioned Fuller’s alignment with former President Donald Trump.
“He said, where do you differ with Donald Trump. You struggled with that. Can you tell us what the one policy is where you would stand against Donald Trump and not sell out the people of Northwest Georgia.”
Fuller pushed back on that criticism.
“I’m going to attack the premise of the question. The policies of President Trump are working for the people of Georgia 14.”
After the debate, reporters asked Fuller how voters in Northwest Georgia can be confident in his promises.
“You can look at my career and my experience as a military officer. I have been tough on crime. I will fight for people.”
Both candidates say they are confident heading into Election Day on April 7.
News 12 will have coverage of the results that evening.
