A special election was held in on October 1, 1827 to fill a vacancy left by the resignation of Edward F. Tattnall (J) prior to the start of the 20th Congress.
From 1792 until 1824, Georgia had elected its representatives at-large. In 1826, Georgia switched, for that election only, to using districts. In the new 1st district, Edward F. Tattnall (J) was re-elected to a 4th term, but resigned before the start of the 20th Congress.