News Summary
Republican Jason Dickerson has emerged victorious in the special state Senate election for District 21, defeating Democratic opponent Debra Shigley. Dickerson’s win, with 61.5% of the vote, maintains the Republican majority in the Georgia State Senate, now at a 33-23 composition. The runoff saw an increase in voter turnout, attributed to targeted outreach strategies by the Georgia Republican Party. Dickerson, who invested heavily in his campaign, fills the vacancy left by Brandon Beach. The results signal potential implications for both parties ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
Atlanta, Georgia
Jason Dickerson, a Republican and president of a private investment firm, has won the special state Senate election for District 21 in Georgia. In the runoff held on September 22, 2025, Dickerson received approximately 61.5% of the vote, defeating his Democratic opponent Debra Shigley, who garnered about 38.5% of the votes.
The special election was necessitated after no candidate achieved a majority in the initial election on August 26, where Shigley received approximately 40% in a seven-way race. Dickerson’s victory is significant as it maintains the Republican majority in the Georgia State Senate, which now has a composition of 33-23 in favor of Republicans.
Increased Voter Turnout
The runoff election experienced a notable increase in voter engagement, with about 10,000 more voters participating compared to the prior special election. This uptick in turnout has been attributed to the efforts of the Georgia Republican Party, which implemented targeted digital outreach and social media advertising to mobilize supporters. The party chairman highlighted these strategies as essential for their electoral success.
Campaign Strategies
Throughout the campaign, Dickerson presented Shigley as a “woke liberal” and built his platform around strong support for former President Trump and the America First agenda. In contrast, Shigley campaigned on vital community issues, advocating for increased access to healthcare and measures to address rising living costs. She garnered support from national Democrats, including assistance from DNC Chairman Ken Martin.
Financially, Dickerson’s campaign demonstrated considerable investment, with him contributing $750,000 of his own money. Shigley’s campaign, on the other hand, raised approximately $252,000. This financial differential played a significant role in the overall campaign dynamics.
Previous Office Holder
Dickerson’s election fills a vacancy left by Republican Brandon Beach, who resigned from the position after being appointed by President Trump as U.S. treasurer. The District 21 encompasses parts of north Fulton and Cherokee counties, areas that have shown varied political preferences in past elections.
Future Implications
The outcome of this election is being viewed as a crucial indicator for both political parties as they prepare for the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. The results reflect ongoing voter sentiments relating to the Trump administration and could influence campaign strategies moving forward. Shigley conceded following the election, expressing pride in her campaign efforts and reaffirming her commitment to continue advocating for her community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The Washington Post: Georgia Special Election
- 11Alive: Georgia State Senate Runoff Election Results
- Atlanta News First: Republican Wins State Senate Runoff
- Wikipedia: Georgia State Senate
- Google Search: Georgia Senate Election 2025
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
