Another Republican has joined the growing field to replace former State Sen. Colton Moore in Georgia’s 53rd Senate District. Moore resigned from the seat as he campaigns for U.S. Congress, triggering a special election now set for March 10, 2026, with early voting beginning February 16.

Denise Pierce Burns, a longtime Republican leader, homeschool mom, and homesteader, announced she is running for the seat, joining other GOP candidates already in the race including former Town of Trion Mayor Lanny Thomas and former Chattooga County Commissioner Blake Elsberry.

In her announcement, Burns described herself as a North Georgia conservative with decades of involvement in grassroots organizing and party leadership across Catoosa and Walker counties. She is a Ringgold High School and Berry College graduate and previously worked in hospitality and business management before stepping away to raise her family. Burns and her husband homeschooled their four children for 25 years.

Burns is also known for leadership within the Republican Party, including serving as chair of the Georgia GOP’s 14th Congressional District. She says her platform includes protecting the unborn, religious liberty, parental rights in education, food freedom, support for small farms, limited government, lowering costs, cracking down on crime and illegal immigration, and medical freedom.

“I’ve spent my life doing tough jobs: raising my kids, running a business, working the land, and standing up when government overreach threatened families like mine,” Burns said. “North Georgia needs a senator who’s ready to lead immediately, defend parents and public safety, and keep this seat accountable to the people it serves.”