Debra Shigley, a Democrat in Georgia, has surprised many people. She ran for a state senate seat in a place where most voters support Republican Donald Trump. In a special primary election last August, she got almost 40 percent of the votes. This strong showing gives her party new hope. They think anger at President Trump might help them win more races in the future. Shigley’s story shows how one local fight can light a fire for bigger changes. In this article, we look at her campaign, what it means for Democrats, and why it’s making waves in a red state like Georgia.
1. A Strong Finish in a Tough Race
Georgia’s District 21 is deep in Republican land. It’s an affluent suburb north of Atlanta, including parts of Fulton and Cherokee counties. The area voted heavily for Trump in 2024. But Shigley, a lawyer and mom of five, took on six Republicans in the special election. There were no party primaries, so she faced them all at once. She pulled in nearly 40 percent of the votes. Jason Dickerson, an investment company president, came in second with 17.4 percent. Now, they head to a runoff on September 23.
The seat opened up when Trump picked state Senator Brandon Beach for U.S. treasurer. Beach won over 70 percent in 2024. Shigley’s run is her second try at politics. She lost to Republican Jan Jones in 2024 for a state house spot. But this time, her message hit home. She talks about helping working families. She wants to cut costs for housing, health care, and groceries. Her business delivers hair care to women of color, showing her community roots.
Low turnout helped her. Only a few thousand voted. But experts say Democrats often shine in these small specials. Brian Robinson, a Georgia Republican strategist, warns not to overread it. “To read the tea leaves too much is a fool’s errand,” he said. Still, her 40 percent beat what Harris got in 2024 in the area. It’s a sign of real energy.
2. National Trends Favor Democrats in Specials
Shigley’s result fits a bigger pattern. Since Trump took office, Democrats have done better than expected in special elections across the U.S. The Downballot tracks 39 contests. On average, Democrats beat Harris’s 2024 numbers by 15.7 percentage points. Republicans kept most seats, but Democrats flipped a state senate spot in Pennsylvania in March. They also took two in Iowa in January and August.
This swing shows voter frustration. Trump’s policies on immigration and tariffs worry some. Prices are up, and chaos in the news adds stress. Shigley tapped into that at a recent event. “The chaos that’s happening right now is causing folks not just pain in their pocketbook but the anxiety when you look at the headlines,” she said. Her campaign lets silenced Democrats speak up. “Folks have felt a lot of despair,” she added.
Young volunteers like Connor Roberts feel it too. He knocked on hundreds of doors before college. “People may not be switching parties, but many who lean liberal are really fired up about Trump’s actions,” Roberts said. They vote in specials now, when they skipped before. Fear and anger drive turnout, as Robinson noted. Democrats are madder than Republicans right now.
3. Shigley’s Campaign and Local Enthusiasm
Shigley lives in Milton, a wealthy suburb. Her story as a business owner and mom resonates. She started her hair care service to help women of color. Now, she’s building a volunteer army. In Cherokee County, where Democrats are usually weak, things are buzzing. Party chair Nate Rich says hundreds have joined. “The small army that we built, we’re training them up,” he said.
Rich wants a platform beyond just anti-Trump talk. Shigley’s focus on families fits. Former state Sen. Jason Esteves, running for governor, agrees. He campaigned for her many times. “The way we win the governor’s seat and the U.S. Senate seat is by organizing up and down the ballot,” Esteves said. Races like hers build coalitions for 2026.
Even a loss could help. Organizers gain skills and lists of voters. It’s groundwork for the big fights ahead. Georgia’s next governor and U.S. Senate races are key. Democrats see Shigley as a spark.
4. Dickerson’s Conservative Pushback
Jason Dickerson is the Republican favorite. He’s self-funding his bid. As a businessman, he promises lower taxes, less red tape, tough immigration rules, and clean elections. His website says he’s serving the community, not lobbyists. Dickerson’s foundation helps with housing and scholarships. He claims his experience will pass conservative laws.
Dickerson appeals to the district’s core voters. It’s Trump country, after all. But turnout will be key in the runoff. Republicans must rally their base. Party chair Josh McKoon says they need to avoid past flops, like the 2021 Senate runoff loss. “If Democrats are saying that because she got 39 per cent… that’s good news, then they’re having to look really hard,” McKoon said.
Still, the state leans red. Republicans gained in 2024’s presidential race. McKoon bets on lasting Trump support.
5. What Experts Predict for 2026
University of Georgia professor Charles Bullock III says Trump’s delivery matters. “What’s going to be at play in 2026 is does Trump deliver on his promises, and if they are still popular?” he asked. Immigration crackdowns and tariffs might backfire if prices stay high. Cross-party dislike could grow.
Bullock says Shigley’s race alone isn’t huge. Democrats need more flips nationwide to signal a wave. But it’s a test. How voters feel about Trump in a year will decide. If discontent builds, 2026 could flip Georgia bluer.
6. Hope for a Broader Shift
Shigley’s defiance in Trump country inspires. It’s not just about one seat—it’s about momentum. Democrats build from the ground up. Volunteers learn, voters engage. Even in red suburbs, cracks show. Trump’s chaos fuels the fire.
The runoff is September 23. Dickerson leads, but anything can happen in specials. Win or lose, Shigley plants seeds. For Georgia Democrats, it’s a lifeline. They dream of 2026 victories. This lone fighter proves odds can bend.
