Georgia’s Senate District 21, long viewed as a Republican fortress, is about to face one of its most unpredictable elections in years. Following former Senator Brandon Beach’s resignation to become U.S. Treasurer under President Donald Trump, Governor Brian Kemp has called a special election for August 26,an off-season vote that could dramatically reshape expectations, especially considering its proximity to Cobb County.
Related Article: Trump Appoints Another No-Nonsense Georgian: Brandon Beach to Oversee U.S. Treasury Operations
A Republican Stronghold with Shifting Conditions
Senate District 21 includes large portions of Cherokee County and parts of northern Fulton County, just north and northeast of Cobb County’s borders. While Cobb voters won’t cast ballots in this race, the district’s proximity matters, economically, culturally, and politically. SD 21 is the kind of district that mirrors the challenges and opportunities faced in Cobb’s own suburban political environment.
For over a decade, this district has been safely Republican:
- 2020: Brandon Beach ran unopposed and earned 94,143 votes.
- 2022: Again unopposed, winning 73,600 votes.
- 2024: Beat Democrat Lillia Lionel handily, 70.3% to 29.7%.
But this time, the election rules and timing are different, and that could make all the difference.
“Jungle Primary” with Party Labels
This special election uses Georgia’s jungle primary format, meaning all candidates from all parties appear together on a single ballot, with no party primaries beforehand. However, voters will still see each candidate’s party affiliation listed clearly next to their name, for example, “Debra Shigley (D)” or “Steve West (R).”
If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the top two, regardless of party, advance to a runoff.
One Democrat, Seven Republicans
That format gives Democrat Debra Shigley a unique opportunity. She is currently the only Democrat in the race, while seven Republican candidates are competing for conservative votes. With Republican support split across seven names, Shigley could secure a runoff spot, or even an outright win, by consolidating the entire Democratic base.
Shigley, backed by Georgia WIN and the Senate Democratic Caucus, is a Harvard-educated attorney and mother of five children in public schools. In 2024, she ran for House District 47 and pulled in 38.4% of the vote against Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones, no small feat. She raised over $285,000 and knocked on 27,000 doors. Her campaign is organized and aggressive.
Website: debraforgeorgia.com
Republican Candidates:
- Lance Calvert (Canton): Retail construction business owner.
- Jason Dickerson (Cherokee): Trucking company founder, calls himself a political outsider.
- Stephanie Donegan: Businesswoman and small business advocate.
stephaniedonegan.com - Brice Futch: Cherokee firefighter with national conservative fundraising support.
bricefutch.com - Grant McCarry: Decorated Army Ranger and author.
- Steve West: Cherokee Commissioner with major local endorsements.
stevewestforsenate.com - Brian Will: Alpharetta councilman, veteran, and entrepreneur.
brianwillforsenate.com
(Websites for Calvert, Dickerson, and McCarry were not available at time of publication.)
Summer Timing, Suburban Shifts
This election is scheduled for August 26, a time when voter turnout is typically low. Many families are returning from summer break or focused on the new school year. In low-turnout scenarios, disciplined, organized campaigns have an advantage, and Democrats across the district could unite behind Shigley while Republican votes are scattered.
And while Cobb County voters don’t cast ballots in this race, they’re watching closely. Senate District 21 borders areas of East and North Cobb, and shares similar voter dynamics. Cobb County flipped blue in 2020 and has remained competitive ever since. If Shigley can make SD 21 a contest, or even flip it, it would be a significant warning sign for Georgia Republicans and a potential boost for Democrats seeking suburban gains.
Senate District 21 may still be Republican ground, but this election isn’t business as usual. With seven Republicans fighting for conservative votes and one Democrat running a unified, well-funded campaign, the August 26 vote could become a political earthquake just north of Cobb. Georgia’s suburbs are changing, and this race is shaping up to be ground zero.
