Georgia Congresswoman Steps Back From Successor Race
Controversial Republican representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has declared she will not participate in the race to find her replacement, refusing to endorse any candidate ahead of Georgia's special election. The Georgia lawmaker confirmed last Friday that she will resign from Congress in January 2026 following her very public falling out with former President Donald Trump.
The Trump Feud That Sparked Resignation
Greene was once among Trump's most loyal supporters until recent weeks when they diverged on several key issues including foreign policy and affordability measures. The congresswoman revealed her decision to step down in a strongly-worded statement that captured national attention.
"I have too much self respect and dignity, love my family way too much, and do not want my sweet district to have to endure a hurtful and hateful primary against me by the President we all fought for," Greene wrote. She added that she refused to be a "battered wife" hoping the situation would improve.
No Endorsement for Successor
On Monday, Greene took to social media platform X to announce she would not be endorsing any candidate to fill her seat, which becomes vacant after 5th January 2026. "Looking ahead towards the Special Election for my Congressional seat, I will not be endorsing anyone out of respect to my district," Greene stated.
The congresswoman emphasised her support for Georgia's 14th district voters, saying she wanted them to choose their representative without her influence. She issued a clear warning that anyone claiming to have her endorsement "would not be telling the truth."
Trump's Response and Epstein Files Connection
Trump responded on Truth Social over the weekend, claiming Greene would have had "no chance of winning" the Republican primary if she had decided to run for re-election. The former president suggested Greene was "calling it quits" to avoid facing a primary challenger with his endorsement.
The public rift between Greene and Trump became particularly evident around the issue of releasing government files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Greene was among few House Republicans who initially pushed for disclosure before Trump eventually supported the effort.
Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, along with Democratic congressman Ro Khanna of California, led the successful push to force a House vote on releasing the Epstein documents. Trump had initially opposed releasing the files but reversed his position as Republican support grew for Massie and Khanna's bill.
Despite their recent conflicts, Trump concluded his social media post on a more conciliatory note, writing: "I will always appreciate Marjorie, and thank her for her service to our Country!"
The special election for Greene's seat will not be scheduled until after she formally leaves Congress in January, leaving Georgia Republicans to select their candidate without input from the outgoing representative.
