Republican state Representative Houston Gaines is projected to win Georgia's 10th Congressional District, according to Decision Desk HQ, defeating Democrat Pamela DeLancy in the race to fill the open seat. The win keeps the district firmly in GOP hands as Gaines prepares to succeed Rep. Mike Collins (R-Ga.), who gave up his House seat to run for the Senate.
Gaines, an Athens native and vice chair of the state House Republican Caucus, has served in the Georgia legislature since 2019. His victory was widely expected in a district that has not elected a Democrat since 1992. Collins won reelection in 2024 with more than 63 percent of the vote, underscoring the area's deep Republican lean.
President Trump's endorsement proved pivotal in Gaines's primary victory. In May, Gaines beat film executive Ryan Millsap and Jeffrey Baker in a three-way contest, with Trump's backing helping him secure the nomination.
On the campaign trail, Gaines focused on illegal immigration, backing law enforcement, cutting government spending, and lowering taxes. He pointed to his legislative record, including measures to restrict cashless bail and support state immigration enforcement. He also highlighted the 2024 murder of nursing student Laken Riley in Athens, which became a national flash point in the immigration debate, arguing that tougher policies are needed.
Before politics, Gaines worked in business development at Carter Engineering, an engineering firm in northeast Georgia. He holds degrees in political science and economics from the University of Georgia.
His opponent, DeLancy, a retired Army colonel and registered nurse, won the Democratic nomination over Lexy Doherty, who had unsuccessfully challenged Collins in 2024. Despite her military and healthcare background, she faced an uphill battle in the Republican-leaning district.
Gaines's win adds to a string of GOP successes in open-seat contests, including recent victories in Texas and Missouri, as the party looks to maintain its House majority. His focus on local issues and Trump's endorsement are likely to define his early tenure in Washington.
