Georgia Democrat Jason Esteves, a 41-year-old state senator and business owner, announced his candidacy for governor in 2026 on Monday. Esteves, who represents parts of Fulton and Cobb counties, is entering a Democratic primary that remains uncertain since two prominent candidates have stepped back from running. His early announcement aims to enhance his visibility and raise funds for his campaign.
Esteves is likely to highlight his personal history as a father of young children and his previous career as a public school teacher. He has also served as the treasurer of the Georgia Democratic Party, which provides him with a solid network among party activists. In a campaign announcement video, he criticized Republican President Donald Trump and pledged to prioritize issues such as the cost of living, housing affordability, healthcare expansion, the restoration of abortion rights, and increased funding for education.
In his statement, Esteves declared, “I’m running for Governor to make Georgia the number one place to work, start a business, and raise a family. As extreme politicians in Georgia push Trump’s reckless agenda and rig the system for special interests, Georgians pay the price.” The current Republican governor, Brian Kemp, is term-limited and cannot run for reelection in 2026, leaving the governor's office open for competition from both parties.
Among the highlights on the Democratic side, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has confirmed her intention to run but has not yet filed official campaign documents. Former DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond has shown interest in the race, and Stacey Abrams, a two-time Democratic nominee, may consider running again as well.
Esteves is entering the race at a time when two potential Democratic candidates, Jason Carter and U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath, have opted out due to family health concerns. Carter, the 2014 Democratic nominee and grandson of former President Jimmy Carter, announced his decision not to run as his wife, Kate, battles glioblastoma, a severe form of brain cancer. Carter mentioned, “For all intents and purposes, I can’t imagine making a decision to run because it’s the wrong time for my family.”
Similarly, McBath suspended her exploratory gubernatorial bid, citing the need to focus on her husband Curtis’s health following complications from cancer surgery. She had filed paperwork in early March to raise money for her campaign. Carter is seen as a potential centrist candidate with strong name recognition, bridging the gap between the Democratic base and moderate voters.
Having first secured a seat in the Georgia State Senate in 2022, Esteves has also been a prominent figure on the Atlanta school board for nine years. During his tenure as chair, he spearheaded efforts that led to increased graduation rates and higher staff pay while navigating the district's challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite some parental discontent regarding delays in returning to in-person classes, he managed to achieve some educational reforms.
During his leadership, the board made the contentious decision not to renew the contract of Superintendent Meria Carstarphen, which sparked some backlash from supporters of her leadership. Esteves, alongside his wife, Ariel, operates Flying Biscuit restaurants in his hometown of Columbus and in Macon. They also own a primary and urgent care clinic and have two children together.
As Esteves prepares for this campaign, the dynamics of the race continue to evolve with varying candidates, health issues, and political strategies shaping the future of Georgia's gubernatorial election.
