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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

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 6, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Special Election Runoff Tomorrow – Voting Takes Place in Local Precincts

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Tomorrow, voters will return to the polls to decide who will replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in the United States House of Representatives and Colton Moore in the Georgia State Senate.

Voters in the 14th Congressional District in Georgia, which includes Chattooga County, will be deciding between former Lookout Mountain District Attorney Clay Fuller, a Republican, and retired Brigadier General and cattle farmer Shawn Harris, a Democrat. Voters in the 53rd State Senate District, which also includes Chattooga County, will be deciding between Republican Lanny Thomas, the former Mayor of Trion, and Lookout Mountain educator Democrat Jack Zibluck.

Voting will take place in local precincts. There will be no voting at the Chattooga County Registrars Office. Voting will be from 7 AM until 7 PM.

Be sure to bring a picture ID when you come to vote.

April 4, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia Lawmakers Approve Income Tax Cuts As Property Tax Plan Falls Short

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Georgia lawmakers have approved a plan to cut the state’s income tax rate, but a broader effort to overhaul property taxes fell short before the end of the legislative session.

April 2, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Last Day to Vote Early in Special Election Runoff

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Today is the last day to vote early in the runoff election to decide who will replace Colton Moore in the state senate for the 53rd District and Marjorie Taylor Greene in the United States House of Representatives for the 14th Georgia Congressional District.

April 2, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Today Is Sine Die As Georgia Legislature Reaches Final Day Of 2026 Session

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Today is Sine Die at the Georgia State Capitol, the final day of the legislative session when lawmakers must give final approval to bills if they are to become law this year. The term “Sine Die” is Latin for “without a day,” meaning the General Assembly adjourns without setting a date to return for the current session.

March 29, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Lanny Thomas Shares Health Update Following Serious Medical Emergency

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State Senate candidate Lanny Thomas is providing a positive health update after suffering a life-threatening medical emergency earlier this month, saying he is improving daily and plans to continue his campaign.

March 29, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia Bill Targeting Mugshot Websites Raises Concerns From Press Advocates

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A bill moving through the Georgia Legislature aims to crack down on websites that profit from mugshots and graphic public records, but it is also raising concerns among free speech advocates and news organizations.

March 29, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia Bill Aims To Return Billions In Unclaimed Money To Residents

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A proposed bill in Georgia could help return billions of dollars in unclaimed money to residents, but the effort is facing challenges at the State Capitol.

Lawmakers say the state is currently holding more than $3 billion in unclaimed property, which includes things like uncashed checks, old bank accounts, refunds, and other funds that belong to individuals.

The legislation would allow the Georgia Department of Revenue to automatically match records and send checks directly to residents, especially for smaller amounts, without requiring people to file a claim.

Supporters say the goal is to make it easier for Georgians to get their money back faster, cutting down on paperwork and making the process more efficient. However, the proposal has raised concerns among some lawmakers because parts of the bill could allow the state to take ownership of certain funds if they remain unclaimed for long periods of time.

The bill has already passed the State Senate but has stalled in a House committee, leaving its future uncertain as the legislative session continues.

March 28, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

No Kings Protest Planned In Summerville On Saturday

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A “No Kings” protest is scheduled for today in Chattooga County, with organizers describing it as part of a broader national day of action centered on opposition to authoritarianism and support for democratic principles.