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ATLANTA — Georgia Democrat Jason Esteves officially declared his candidacy for governor on Monday, setting the stage for the 2026 election amid a climate of uncertainty for Democratic contenders after two prominent figures opted out of the race.
The 41-year-old state senator, who is also a lawyer and entrepreneur, has limited recognition beyond his legislative district, which encompasses areas in Fulton and Cobb counties. By announcing his run early, Esteves aims to bolster his fundraising efforts and raise his public profile.
He is expected to highlight key aspects of his identity, including his role as a father to young children and his experience as a public school teacher. Esteves previously held the position of treasurer for the state Democratic Party, which has allowed him to build connections with party activists.
In an announcement video, Esteves expressed his opposition to former President Donald Trump and indicated that his campaign will focus on issues such as reducing the cost of living—particularly housing costs—expanding access to healthcare, restoring abortion rights, and enhancing school funding.
“I’m running for Governor to make Georgia the number one place to work, start a business, and raise a family,” Esteves stated, adding that “extreme politicians in Georgia push Trump’s reckless agenda and rig the system for special interests, and Georgians pay the price.”
Current Republican Governor Brian Kemp, who is unable to seek a third term due to term limits, will not be running in 2026.
Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has expressed her intention to enter the gubernatorial race as a Democrat but has not yet taken the formal step of filing campaign documents. There is also interest from former DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond, and two-time nominee Stacey Abrams remains a potential candidate.
On the Republican front, Attorney General Chris Carr has previously announced his candidacy, while Lt. Gov. Burt Jones is expected to declare his intentions shortly.
Esteves is entering the race during a time when some potential Democratic candidates have stepped aside to focus on personal health challenges. Former state Senator Jason Carter, the nominee for the Democrats in 2014 and the grandson of former President Jimmy Carter, has announced he will not pursue the nomination due to his wife’s cancer diagnosis. Kate Carter is battling glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, and the couple has two teenage sons.
Jason Carter stated, “For all intents and purposes, I can’t imagine making a decision to run because it’s the wrong time for my family,” he affirmed.
Similarly, U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath announced on March 31 that she is suspending her exploratory efforts for a gubernatorial candidacy to prioritize care for her husband, Curtis, who is recovering from health complications following cancer surgery. The four-term congresswoman, recognized as a strong advocate for gun control, had previously filed necessary paperwork to fundraise for her potential campaign.
Many view Carter as a centrist candidate who could bridge the gap between the Democratic base and swing voters, particularly if Trump’s popularity wanes as the election approaches.
An attorney from Atlanta, Jason Carter has taken a step back from political life since his loss in the 2014 gubernatorial race, though he has gained renewed visibility in recent years serving as the chairman of the Carter Center board and acting as a family spokesperson during his grandparents’ health challenges. He delivered eulogies at both his grandfather’s and grandmother’s funerals, marking significant family moments.
Jason Carter expressed excitement for Esteves, stating, “I’m very excited about Jason (Esteves)” and what he brings to the table for voters and the Democratic party.
Esteves was elected to the state Senate in 2022 after serving for nine years on the Atlanta school board, including a tenure as chair during a challenging period dominated by the pandemic. During his leadership, he has mentioned accomplishments such as improved graduation rates and raised staff salaries, even as some parents criticized the delay in returning students to in-person learning.
Under his leadership, the school board also made the decision not to renew the contract of Superintendent Meria Carstarphen, a move that created backlash among supporters of Carstarphen’s leadership following a cheating scandal in the district.
Along with his wife, Ariel, Esteves owns Flying Biscuit restaurants in both Macon and Columbus, his hometown, as well as an urgent and primary care clinic. They are parents to two children.
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