Trump-Endorsed Candidate's Past Democrat Donation and Controversial Campaign Leadership Emerge
Clayton Fuller, the candidate endorsed by former President Donald Trump to succeed Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene in Georgia's 14th Congressional District, is confronting renewed scrutiny over his political history and campaign associations. Federal Elections Commission records reveal that Fuller's inaugural political contribution in 2017 was a $250 donation to James Mackler, a Democratic candidate for the US Senate in Tennessee.
Fuller's Democratic Donation and Gun Policy Ambiguity
James Mackler, an attorney and US Army veteran who unsuccessfully sought the Senate seat in 2018 and 2020, aligned himself with anti-gun advocacy during his campaigns. In 2020, Mackler participated in the Giffords group's 'Road to Universal Background Checks Tour,' where he was promoted as a 'gun safety champion' and a 'key member of the national movement to flip the Senate.'
Notably, Fuller's campaign website lacks any mention of firearms, gun rights, or the Second Amendment in its priorities section. The National Rifle Association's Political Victory Fund has assigned Fuller an AQ rating, typically reserved for candidates without a voting record who respond favorably to the NRA's survey.
Previous Campaign and Endorsement from With Honor Fund
Fuller's 2026 bid is not his first foray into politics. In 2020, he ran for the US House of Representatives with the endorsement of the With Honor Fund, an organization describing itself as bipartisan or cross-partisan, dedicated to electing military veterans to reduce political polarization.
The group has supported both Democrats and Republicans critical of Trump. Emma Bloomberg, daughter of former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg, serves on With Honor's advisory board. Mike Bloomberg is the primary financier of Everytown and Moms Demand Action, two prominent anti-gun advocacy groups. With Honor PAC contributed $5,000 to Fuller's 2020 campaign through two separate donations.
Trump's Endorsement and Apparent Memory Lapse
Fuller is Trump's chosen candidate among a field of 22 contenders, including 17 Republicans. Trump is scheduled to appear with Fuller in Georgia on Thursday. However, earlier this week, Trump seemed to forget his endorsement when questioned about the race aboard Air Force One.
'Well we have a lot of people that want to take Marjorie 'traitor' Greene's place,' Trump told reporters on Monday evening. 'Many, many candidates, and I have to choose one.' This statement puzzled observers, as Trump had publicly endorsed Fuller on February 4 via Truth Social, proclaiming, 'It is my Great Honor to endorse America First Patriot, Clay Fuller.'
Days later, Trump appeared to favor neutrality, remarking, 'They say whoever I endorse is going to win. But we have a lot of good candidates that want to take her place.' The White House did not clarify whether the endorsement was rescinded or if Trump misspoke, instead directing attention to his original post and a repost on Wednesday.
Campaign Led by Controversial Former Chief of Staff
Fuller's campaign decisions have drawn criticism from rivals. Three political operatives involved in separate Georgia races this year informed The Daily Mail that Fuller's campaign is being managed by Brandon Phillips, the former chief of staff to Georgia Congressman Mike Collins, who is currently running in the GOP primary for US Senate.
Phillips has a history of legal and ethical issues. In 2022, he was arrested on a misdemeanor animal cruelty charge for kicking a dog and injuring its stomach, resulting in a $1,200 bond. In 2016, he resigned from Donald Trump's Georgia campaign after his criminal record was disclosed.
Although FEC records do not show payments from Fuller's campaign to Phillips, they indicate that Fuller's sole political contribution in the 2025-2026 cycle was to Collins' Senate campaign. Phillips reposted Trump's endorsement of Fuller on X earlier this month with the caption, 'Y'all heard the man.'
Following the allegations, Legistorm records show Phillips was removed as chief of staff in Collins' Capitol Hill office but continues as Senior Policy Adviser as of last month. Both Phillips and Fuller's campaign have not responded to requests for comment on their relationship.
Special Election Details and Future Contests
Marjorie Taylor Greene announced her resignation from Congress effective January 5, creating the vacancy. She has refrained from endorsing a successor, stating on X that she trusts 'the wonderful people of Georgia 14 ... to pick their Representative.'
Voting is underway for the special election, set for March 10. If no candidate secures a majority, a runoff will occur on April 7. The winner will also compete in the May primary for the full term of the seat in the 2026 election.
