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Georgia's Iran War Divide Tests GOP Unity in Key Runoff

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Georgia's 14th Congressional District gears up for a critical special election runoff Tuesday, with the Iran war dominating campaign rhetoric. Democrat Shawn Harris, a retired Army general, frames the conflict as a costly quagmire, citing rising fuel prices and American casualties. Republican Clayton Fuller, backed by Trump, argues the war enhances national security, calling Iran a "death cult."

The race reflects broader GOP fractures, as former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene—who resigned her seat—has publicly criticized Trump's handling of the war. Harris, who led the March primary, faces an uphill battle in the district Trump won by 19 points in 2024. Analysts note his anti-war stance risks alienating some conservatives but could signal Democratic inroads.

Fuller, a former prosecutor and Air National Guard veteran, emphasizes Trump's Iran policy achievements, including endorsements from the former president. Energy markets watch closely: gasoline prices hit $4.15 nationally amid the conflict, per AAA data. Economists warn prolonged fighting could delay price stabilization.

A GOP strategist dismissed Harris' chances, calling the race "relatively early," but Republicans privately acknowledge the war's unpopularity complicates messaging. With Georgia's Senate race also on the November ballot, Tuesday's outcome may preview midterm vulnerabilities tied to Trump's foreign policy legacy.