Republican Jim Kingston, a political newcomer and son of former Rep. Jack Kingston, is projected to win Georgia's 1st Congressional District, according to Decision Desk HQ. He defeated Democrat Amanda Hollowell, keeping the coastal district in GOP hands.
Kingston will fill the seat vacated by Rep. Buddy Carter, who gave up his House position to run for Senate. Carter's bid proved costly and unsuccessful, as he finished third in the Republican primary runoff.
The district, which includes Savannah and much of Georgia's southern coast, has been a Republican stronghold for decades. President Trump, who endorsed Kingston before the primary, carried the district by nearly 16 points in 2025, while Carter won reelection that year by 24 points. The Cook Political Report rated the seat as "solid Republican," making Kingston the clear favorite heading into the general election.
Kingston, 35, is a Savannah native who spent his career in the insurance industry, most recently as senior vice president at Marsh McLennan. He attended the University of Georgia from 2009 to 2013 but left before completing his degree to work full-time. His father represented the same district for over two decades, from 1993 to 2015, before becoming a Washington lobbyist.
During the campaign, Kingston faced criticism from primary opponents over his lack of political experience and his family ties. He ran on a platform focused on border security, cutting federal spending and regulations, protecting Georgia's agricultural industry, expanding domestic energy production, lowering taxes, and supporting immigration enforcement agencies.
Kingston won a crowded six-way Republican primary in May with just over 52 percent of the vote, avoiding a runoff. His opponents included Pat Farrell, Kandiss Taylor, and Brian Montgomery. Trump praised Kingston as a successful businessperson and highlighted his family's support for the MAGA movement.
Hollowell, a political strategist and community organizer, secured the Democratic nomination after defeating Joyce Marie Griggs in a June runoff. She serves as chief of campaigns at Color of Change, a national racial justice organization, and has worked on voting rights and economic justice initiatives, including with former first lady Michelle Obama's organization When We All Vote.
The race was closer than expected in the solidly red district, with Kingston projected to win 50.7 percent to 49.31 percent, according to DDHQ. This narrow margin reflects a broader trend of competitive House races in traditionally safe seats.
In other Georgia races, Republicans are also defending open seats in the 10th and 11th districts, while Democrats are hoping to flip the governor's mansion. For more on the state's political landscape, see Houston Gaines' win in the 10th and Cowan's victory in the 11th.
