Sunday, February 1, 2026–2:30 p.m.
-Staff reports-
Christian Hurd, one of the congressional candidates seeking to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene, has withdrawn from the race.
Hurd released a statement which read:
“This was a difficult decision, but it is ultimately in the best interest of my family, the Republican Party, and our nation. Our Republican majority is far too slim, and we cannot afford to play politics with Northwest Georgia’s seat in Congress during an uncertain special election. There are simply too many Republicans in this race, and while many of them are extremely talented and impressive, it is time for Republicans to consolidate so that we can focus on defeating Shawn Harris for Georgia. This Democrat has a greater chance of winning this election than most people realize: Shawn has raised over two million dollars, has a well-organized machine behind him, and is riding a national wave of Democratic cash and energy to defeat us. This is the closest a Progressive Democrat has ever been to winning a seat representing Northwest Georgia, and we can’t let that happen.
Clay Fuller has earned my vote during this campaign, and I ask that you look at who this man is, what he has done, and the principles he stands on. This is a national office, and America’s national defense and our foreign relations around the world will be among our next Congress members’ chief responsibilities in this dangerous and tumultuous time for our nation. Like me, Clay is a military man, and he has proven to me that he is ready and more than capable of leading from the moment he raises his right hand and is sworn into Congress. Clay is a cancer survivor, a district attorney, a United States Air Force officer, and a lifelong North Georgian who has raised two lovely children with his sweet wife Kate. This is an immensely talented field, and while I have great personal respect for many of the candidates in this race, it is time for Republicans to unite behind our guy. If we send Clay to Washington, our Congress will gain a good man who will put America first in every decision he makes.
I call on my fellow Republicans in this race to unite behind Clay. Let me be clear that leaving the race was a very painful decision, and I know it will not be an easy decision for any candidate to consider. As the first special election of the midterms, I looked at the implications this election has for our nation and the conservative movement in America, and I realized that if I put my “wants” and my campaign to the side, it would help make sure we are as well-positioned and prepared to beat Shawn Harris as we could be.
I ask that each Northwest Georgian allow Clay the opportunity to earn your vote. If you listen to what he says and look at what he’s done, you’ll understand that this man is who we need at this exact moment for our nation. I have never been more confident in or proud to vote for a candidate than I will be when my family and I vote for Clay Fuller on March 10th.”
