NEW: GOP Fumbles Key Special Election As Trump District Flips Blue

Democrats scored another win in Georgia on Tuesday, flipping a state House seat blue in a district Donald Trump carried by double digits. CNN’s Decision Desk projected the result, giving the party fresh bragging rights as both sides brace for next year’s high-stakes Senate and governor races.

Eric Gisler, a Democrat who runs a local olive oil shop, is projected to defeat Republican Mack “Dutch” Guest in the 121st House District, a northeast Georgia slice near Athens. The seat had been empty since GOP Rep. Marcus Wiedower resigned in late October.

Democrats have been on a hot streak in off-year races. Between November’s contests in Virginia and New Jersey and special elections on revamped Mississippi maps, the party flipped about 20 legislative seats. They also grabbed two in Iowa and one in Pennsylvania earlier this year. It’s a trend Democrats say proves voters are buying what they’re selling, even in places where Republicans once cruised.

Republicans still hold a wide majority in the Georgia House, but Tuesday’s outcome adds to a month of setbacks for the state GOP. Just weeks ago, Democrats snagged two statewide wins that shifted control of the Public Service Commission.

Democratic leaders wasted no time spiking the football. The Democratic Party of Georgia celebrated Gisler’s win, saying, “This isn’t just a win for Georgia Democrats – it’s a win for every family in Oconee and Clarke Counties who has been struggling to get ahead under 22 years of failed Republican leadership.”

Party chair Charlie Bailey piled on in a statement that hit all the usual themes. “All across the state, Georgians are realizing there’s only one party that’s working to lower costs, keep health care affordable, and put people ahead of big corporations – and that’s the Democratic Party,” he said. “Our momentum is only growing, and we will continue outworking, out-organizing, and out-strategizing Republicans to turn it into more wins for the people of Georgia in 2026.”

Republicans, who once counted on districts like this one as safe territory, now have another warning shot heading into the midterms.

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