News Summary
Republican candidate Jason Dickerson has secured a decisive victory in the runoff election for Georgia State Senate District 21, defeating Democrat Debra Shigley. With a campaign focused on America First values, Dickerson garnered 61.5% of the vote, showcasing strong voter support in a traditionally Republican district. The election saw increased voter turnout compared to the previous primary, indicating shifting dynamics within Georgia’s political landscape. The outcome reinforces Georgia Republicans’ majority in the state Senate as they prepare for future electoral challenges.
Atlanta, Georgia – Republican candidate Jason Dickerson has emerged victorious in the runoff election for Georgia State Senate District 21, held on September 23, 2025. Dickerson secured approximately 61.5% of the vote, decisively defeating Democrat Debra Shigley. This runoff was necessitated after no candidate managed to attain a majority in the initial seven-person special election conducted in August.
In the primary election, which took place earlier, Shigley received around 40% of the votes cast within the heavily Republican district. This margin had raised eyebrows, indicating a potential weakness in the Republican stronghold. However, Dickerson’s campaign strategy, which emphasized America First values alongside commitments to lower taxes and stricter immigration policies, proved effective in galvanizing voter support during the runoff.
Jason Dickerson self-funded his campaign significantly, taking out a loan of $750,000, whereas Shigley’s fundraising efforts brought in around $252,000. The fallout from the election positions Dickerson to succeed former Republican state Senator Brandon Beach, who was recently appointed by President Donald Trump as U.S. treasurer after winning reelection in 2024 with over 70% of the vote.
The runoff election saw an uptick in voter turnout, with approximately 10,000 more voters participating compared to the initial election in August. The Georgia Republican Party executed a targeted outreach strategy, employing digital tactics including social media advertising and text message campaigns aimed at mobilizing Republican voters.
Despite the loss, Debra Shigley’s campaign gained significant national attention. The Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin personally visited Georgia to rally support for Shigley, who focused her campaign on critical issues such as rising costs of living, health care access, and education. Political analysts viewed the outcomes of these elections as indicative of shifting voter sentiment leading into the upcoming midterm elections.
After conceding, Shigley expressed a sense of pride in her campaign and the support she received from dedicated volunteers throughout the effort. In contrast, Dickerson framed his victory as a clear rejection of what he termed “woke liberal ideology” prevalent in some parts of the country. Political strategist Brian Robinson pointed out that Democrats often perform well in low-turnout elections, suggesting that this factor had contributed to Shigley’s unexpectedly strong performance in the August primary.
With the results now finalized, Georgia Republicans maintain a 33-23 majority in the state Senate, a stronghold that is essential as preparations for the 2026 elections loom on the horizon. The competitive nature of the political landscape within Georgia revealed by this election highlights the continuing challenge both parties face as they engage with voters heading into future electoral contests.
The runoff race not only solidifies Jason Dickerson’s position within the state legislature but also provides a barometer for party dynamics and voter preferences in a critical political battleground state. As both parties strategize their approaches in the coming months, the results of this election will undoubtedly be analyzed for their implications on future elections in Georgia.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Washington Post: Georgia Special Election
- Wikipedia: Georgia Secretary of State
- 11Alive: Georgia State Senate District 21 Results
- Google Search: Georgia State Senate District 21
- AP News: Georgia Special Election Coverage
- Google Scholar: Georgia State Senate Elections
- Atlanta News First: State Senate Runoff Election
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Georgia (US)
- 270toWin: Live Results for Georgia State Senate Runoff
- Google News: Georgia Elections 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.
