Georgia Republican secures state Senate seat in runoff election

 September 24, 2025

In a closely watched contest, businessman Jason Dickerson, a Republican and political newcomer, emerged victorious in a special election runoff for Georgia’s state Senate District 21 seat on Tuesday, as The Hill reports.

In the runoff, Dickerson defeated Democrat opponent Debra Shigley to claim the seat previously held by Brandon Beach, who stepped down to serve in the Trump administration.

The vacancy in District 21, which covers parts of Fulton and Cherokee counties, arose when Beach resigned earlier this year. His new role as U.S. treasurer, appointed by President Trump, left the seat open for a special election. Beach had previously dominated elections in the district, securing 70 percent of the vote in his last race.

Unexpected runoff follows tight general election race

The path to the runoff began with a general election in August, where multiple candidates vied for the seat. Debra Shigley, a Democrat attorney and businesswoman, led the pack with nearly 40% of the vote. Dickerson, competing against five other Republican contenders, garnered just over 17%.

Under Georgia election rules, a candidate must secure at least half the vote to win outright. Since no one reached that threshold, Shigley and Dickerson advanced to a head-to-head runoff. This set the stage for a competitive race in a district long considered a Republican stronghold.

Democrats saw an opportunity to flip the seat, especially given their recent successes in other state and congressional special elections. The party poured resources into Shigley’s campaign to make the race more competitive. Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin even joined canvassing efforts for Shigley in Alpharetta over the weekend.

Democrats push hard in GOP territory

Despite the uphill battle, Shigley’s campaign drew significant attention from state and national Democratic leaders. The party aimed to capitalize on shifting voter dynamics in Georgia. However, the district’s strong Republican lean proved difficult to overcome.

Dickerson, with his background as a businessman and fresh perspective as a political outsider, appealed to voters in the conservative-leaning area. His campaign focused on maintaining the Republican hold on the seat. Ultimately, his message resonated enough to secure the win on Tuesday.

While Shigley fell short in the runoff, Democrat supporters remained steadfast in their backing. Party leaders praised her efforts to challenge the status quo in a district that has historically favored Republicans. Her performance in the general election had initially raised hopes for an upset.

Democrat leaders reflect on close contests

Heather Williams, president of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC), highlighted Shigley’s impact despite the loss. “State Democrats like Deb Shigley are advocating for their communities, and they’re earning a big boost in voter support, even in long-held GOP seats, because of it,” Williams said in a statement.

Williams also emphasized the party’s commitment to future races. “The DLCC will continue supporting Democrats running strong campaigns in tough territory across the country,” she added.

The outcome of this election reinforces the Republican grip on District 21, echoing Beach’s past dominance. Dickerson’s victory ensures continuity for the GOP in this part of Georgia. It also signals the challenges Democrats face in flipping seats in deeply red areas.

Broader implications awaited

For Democrats, Shigley’s campaign represents a broader push to gain ground in state legislative races. Even in defeat, her strong showing in the general election suggests potential for future competitiveness. Party leaders are likely to build on this momentum in the upcoming elections.

Meanwhile, Dickerson’s win solidifies Republican control in a key district spanning Fulton and Cherokee counties. As a political newcomer, his tenure in the state Senate will be closely watched. Voters and analysts alike are curious about how he will represent the district’s interests.

The special election runoff for District 21 underscores the ongoing partisan divide in Georgia politics. While Republicans celebrate holding the seat, Democrats remain determined to challenge long-standing GOP dominance. This race, though decided, hints at more battles to come in the state’s evolving political landscape.

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