ATLANTA (AP) 鈥� Georgia Democrat Jason Esteves announced on Monday that he's running for governor in 2026, entering a field that remains murky for his party after two top potential candidates backed away from a run.
The 41-year-old state senator, also a lawyer and business owner, remains largely unknown outside his state Senate district, which includes parts of Fulton and Cobb counties. An early announcement could help him to raise money and increase his visibility.
He's likely to emphasize his biography, including his young children and his past service as a public school teacher. Esteves has also served as treasurer of the state Democratic Party, giving him a network among Democratic activists.
announcing his candidacy, Esteves sounded a note of opposition to Republican President Donald Trump while saying he would emphasize lowering the cost of living, including housing costs, as well as expanding health care, restoring abortion rights and increasing funding for schools.
鈥淚鈥檓 running for Governor to make Georgia the number one place to work, start a business, and raise a family," Esteves said in a statement. "As extreme politicians in Georgia push Trump鈥檚 reckless agenda and rig the system for special interests, Georgians pay the price."
Incumbent Republican Gov. Brian Kemp is term-limited after two terms and can't seek reelection in 2026.
Former has said she plans to run for governor as a Democrat, but has not yet filed papers to create a campaign. Former DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond has also expressed interest, and two-time could yet choose to run again.
On the Republican side, announced his run for governor last year and is expected to announce his candidacy soon.
Esteves enters the race as two potential Democratic candidates step back to focus on family health concerns.
Former state Sen. Jason Carter, Democrats鈥� 2014 nominee and grandson of the late former President Jimmy Carter, said he has no plans to seek the 2026 nomination because of his wife鈥檚 cancer diagnosis. Kate Carter has glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. The couple has two teenage sons.
鈥淔or all intents and purposes, I can鈥檛 imagine making a decision to run because it鈥檚 the wrong time for my family,鈥� Carter, 49, told The Associated Press on Monday.
U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath announced on March 31 that she was suspending her exploratory bid for governor in 2026, saying she needed to focus on her husband Curtis鈥� health after complications from cancer surgery. The four-term member of Congress, best known as a gun control advocate, had to raise money for governor.
Carter has been mentioned as a centrist candidate with high name identification who could run as a bridge between the Democrats鈥� base and voters who might be up for grabs if President Donald Trump鈥檚 popularity and the Republican brand take a dip heading into 2026.
An Atlanta attorney who has been out of politics since losing the , Carter has drawn renewed attention in recent years as Carter Center board chairman and family spokesperson as his grandparents鈥� health declined. in January at the 39th president鈥檚 state funeral in Washington and did the same for his grandmother, Rosalynn Carter, at her Atlanta funeral in December 2023.
The younger Carter said he鈥檚 鈥渘ot going to endorse anybody,鈥� but added, 鈥淚鈥檓 very excited about Jason (Esteves)鈥� and what he can offer voters and the party.
Esteves first won election to the state Senate in 2022 after nine years on the Atlanta school board. He was chair of the board for four years, including part of the time that the distict was heavily impacted by COVID-19. He touts increased graduation rates and higher pay for staff during that time, but some parents were displeased with how long it took the district to resume in-person classes.
While Esteves was leading the board, it also decided not to renew contract, which causes a stir among those who supported Carstarphen's leadership following the school district's cheating scandal.
Esteves and his wife, Ariel, own Flying Biscuit restaurants in Macon and Columbus, Esteves' hometown. He and his wife also own an urgent and primary care clinic. They have two children.
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Associated Press writer Bill Barrow contributed to this report.
Jeff Amy, The Associated Press
