State Senator Jason Esteves, a Democrat representing Atlanta, announced Monday his intention to run for Governor of Georgia in the 2026 election. Esteves, elected to the Senate in 2022 and currently serving his second term, aims to succeed term-limited Republican Governor Brian Kemp. Before his tenure in the State Senate, Esteves served nearly a decade on the Atlanta Public Schools Board of Education. He has consistently championed education, healthcare, and housing as key priorities throughout his career in public service. “As extreme politicians in Georgia push (President Donald) Trump’s reckless agenda and rig the system for special interests, Georgians pay the price,” Esteves stated in a prepared statement. “Now more than ever, we need to tackle the high cost of living, improve access to health care, protect women’s reproductive freedom, lower housing costs, and invest in schools across the state.” Esteves is the first Democrat to officially announce his candidacy for the 2026 gubernatorial race. U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath (D-Marietta) briefly considered a run, forming an exploratory committee last month, but ultimately suspended her campaign to care for her husband who is recovering from cancer surgery. On the Republican side, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr launched his campaign late last year. Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger are also considered potential contenders for the GOP nomination.