Election Night Returns – WZQZ – April 7, 2026

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.

 

Hydrant Flushing Underway In Summerville Through Wednesday

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.

Arrest Report – Tuesday – April 7, 2026

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

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Fire Danger Remains Elevated Across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia

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.

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Election Day Underway in Chattooga County for Special Election Runoff

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.

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Kindergarten Registration Opens April 15 in Chattooga County

Chattooga County Schools will begin kindergarten registration for the upcoming 2026–2027 school year on April 15.

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Vendor Spots Now Open for Hwy 27 Longest Yard Sale in Summerville

The City of Summerville is encouraging vendors to reserve their space now for the upcoming Hwy 27 Longest Yard Sale, set for August 6th through 8th at Dowdy Park.

While the popular event is still a few months away, officials say vendor spots are already available and expected to fill up quickly. Spaces are being offered for just five dollars per day, giving individuals a chance to clear out unused items and make extra money during one of the area’s busiest shopping events.

Dowdy Park, located in the heart of downtown Summerville, will serve as a central hub for shoppers traveling along Highway 27 during the multi-state yard sale event. Organizers say the location provides strong foot traffic and excellent visibility for vendors.

Those interested in securing a spot can contact the City of Summerville to request a vendor form and lock in their space ahead of time.

Arrest Report – Monday – April 6, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, April 6, 2026:

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Dry Air, Fire Risk, and Warming Trend Ahead for Northwest Georgia

Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia can expect a stretch of dry, pleasant weather to start the week, but those same conditions are raising concerns about fire danger across the region.

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Atrium Health Floyd Honors Community Partnerships At Flagpole Dedication In Chattooga County

Atrium Health Floyd recently joined community leaders, local organizations, and first responders for a Flagpole Dedication Ceremony at its freestanding emergency department in Chattooga County, highlighting the healthcare system’s longstanding commitment to the community it has served for more than 80 years.

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