Three candidates have announced plans to run for Georgia Senate District 53 following Sen. Colton Moore’s decision to pursue a congressional seat. Moore, a Republican from Trenton, is campaigning to replace U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who announced she will resign from Congress in January.

Moore said he is consulting with attorneys about whether and when he would be required to resign his state Senate seat. If Moore steps down, a special election would be held within several months, followed by a general election in November 2026 for the 2027–28 term.

District 53 covers Dade, Walker, Catoosa, and Chattooga counties, along with the northern portion of Floyd County in Northwest Georgia.

Republican Lanny Thomas, mayor of Trion for the past eight years, announced his candidacy in a Thanksgiving Day Facebook video. Thomas said his priorities include public safety, supporting small businesses, and cutting taxes while reducing wasteful government spending. A lifelong Trion resident originally from LaFayette, Thomas has served as president of the District 1 Georgia Municipal Association, a deacon at Trion First Baptist Church, and a former educator.

Also running as a Republican is Blake Elsberry of Trion, the former sole commissioner of Chattooga County. Elsberry announced his campaign Nov. 26, citing his experience in local government. His platform includes expanding rural health care access, supporting young farmers, and eliminating the state income tax. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has confirmed an active investigation involving Elsberry related to alleged misappropriation of funds during his time as commissioner. Elsberry said he has cooperated fully and is considering legal action once the case concludes.

Democrat Jack Zibluk, a Lookout Mountain resident and media history professor at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, is currently the only candidate officially registered with the state, according to Ballotpedia. Zibluk said his campaign will focus on mental health access, road safety, flood control, and regional economic development. While backed by Democrats, Zibluk said he aims to take a nonpartisan approach and listen to concerns across the district.

The race is expected to draw significant attention across Northwest Georgia as voters prepare for a potential special election and a full Senate contest in 2026.