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April 7, 2026

Election Night Returns – WZQZ – April 7, 2026

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Update 8:13 PM:

Fuller Leads 14th District, Thomas Ahead In State Senate Race As Returns Continue

WZQZ News — Updated election returns from Tuesday night show Republican Clay Fuller now leading Democrat Shawn Harris in Georgia’s 14th Congressional District special runoff, while Republican Lanny Thomas continues to hold a strong lead over Democrat John Bentley “Jack” Zibluk in the State Senate District 53 race.

In the 14th Congressional District contest, the latest numbers show Fuller with 26,043 votes, or 52.02 percent, compared to Harris with 24,016 votes, or 47.98 percent.

In the State Senate District 53 runoff, Thomas is ahead with 6,555 votes, or 64.86 percent, while Zibluk has received 3,552 votes, or 35.14 percent.

While the state results page shows all localities listed in the summary, not all precincts are necessarily fully reported yet, meaning vote totals could still change as additional returns are processed.

Election officials will continue updating results throughout the evening.

Earlier this evening:

Election returns are coming in tonight across Georgia’s 14th Congressional District and State Senate District 53, and the early numbers are showing a split between Chattooga County and the district as a whole. In the 14th District congressional runoff, Republican Clay Fuller is leading in Chattooga County, while Democrat Shawn Harris is holding a narrow district-wide advantage in the latest unofficial results.

According to the numbers shown in the latest update, Harris has 51.48 percent of the vote district-wide with 16,806 votes, compared to Fuller’s 48.52 percent and 15,840 votes. In Chattooga County, however, local returns show Fuller with a substantial lead over Harris. The latest district-wide tally displayed 7 of 10 localities reporting in the congressional race.

In the State Senate District 53 runoff, Republican Lanny Thomas is leading Democrat John Bentley “Jack” Zibluk in the latest unofficial returns. The posted totals show Thomas with 61.09 percent, or 4,765 votes, compared to Zibluk’s 38.91 percent, or 3,035 votes. The latest update showed 4 of 5 localities reporting in that race.

Both contests are being closely watched in Northwest Georgia, with vote totals expected to continue shifting as additional precincts report.

These results remain unofficial until certified by election officials.

April 7, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Hydrant Flushing Underway In Summerville Through Wednesday

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The City of Summerville Fire Department is conducting hydrant flushing across parts of the city on April 7 and 8 between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

The work is focused on West Summerville, including the Highway 48 area, Smallen Road, and Fish Hatchery Road.

During the flushing process, residents may notice brief periods of discolored water. City officials say this is normal and safe. If discoloration occurs, simply run your tap for a few minutes until the water clears.

Fire department crews will be performing routine maintenance on hydrants, including lubrication, flushing, and function checks to ensure the system is working properly.

Officials say the work is essential to keeping the community safe and prepared.

April 7, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Arrest Report – Tuesday – April 7, 2026

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, April 7, 2026:

April 7, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Fire Danger Remains Elevated Across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia

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Sunshine and comfortable temperatures may make it feel like a picture-perfect spring week in Chattooga County, but the dry air and gusty winds are creating serious concerns for fire danger across Northwest Georgia.

April 7, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Election Day Underway in Chattooga County for Special Election Runoff

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Today is Election Day in Chattooga County as voters head to the polls for a Special Election runoff to fill unexpired terms in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Georgia State Senate.

April 7, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Northwest Georgia Industrial Site Fully Leased With Second International Tenant

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A major industrial development in Northwest Georgia has now reached full capacity after securing a second international tenant.

April 7, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Gas Prices Still Climbing Higher Amid Global Tensions

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Ongoing fighting in the Middle East is driving oil prices higher, which is pushing gas prices up across Georgia and the nation. However, Georgia’s gas tax suspension is helping slow how quickly prices are rising.

April 7, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga and Trion Set for New GHSA Football Regions in 2026-27

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The Georgia High School Association has finalized its football region alignments for the 2026 and 2027 seasons, giving both Chattooga High School and Trion High School a clearer picture of the road ahead.

April 7, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia Highlands College Hosts First President’s Scholars Day for High-Achieving Seniors

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Georgia Highlands College recently welcomed high-achieving high school seniors and their families to campus for its first President’s Scholars Day, an event designed to connect prospective students with the college’s programs, opportunities, and community.

April 7, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

More Details Released In Fatal Rossville Shooting That Claimed Trion Man’s Life

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We now have more details about a Trion man who was shot and killed Friday night at a worksite in Rossville.