Latest news with #GeorgiaStateSenate
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
With Burt Jones entering GA governor's race, here are who have announced campaigns for 2026
Governor Brian Kemp has ruled out a run for the U.S. Senate, and with his final term coming to an end next year, Georgia will soon have a new leader. So, who's in the running to replace him? Here's a quick look at the candidates who've jumped into the race and what to expect in the upcoming election. Republican: Burt Jones, born in Jackson, Georgia, has announced his entry into the 2026 governor's race. Elected in 2023, he is the 13th lieutenant governor of Georgia and a former member of the Georgia State Senate from 2013 to 2023, representing the 25th District. "I've also fought to deliver President Trump's agenda here in Georgia from day one–and even took arrows from the radical left for doing it," Jones wrote on X. "But just like President Trump, I won–and delivered for the people of Georgia, just like he is delivering for the American people in Washington." Democrat: Olu Brown is founder and lead pastor of Impact United Methodist Church in the East Point community of metro Atlanta. He is a native of Texas who came to Georgia to get his Master of Divinity degree from Gammon Theological Seminary of the Interdenominational Theological Center. "I believe it's time for a new face, a new voice, and a new generation of leadership who listens to Georgians," Brown said in a video on his website. "I need your help and I need your support." Democrat: Jason Esteves was elected as a state senator in 2023 for part of the metro Atlanta area, specifically the 35th district. He is a a former at-large representative and BoardChair of the Atlanta Public Schools Board of Education. "I've had enough of families working harder than ever but still struggling, and our kids falling behind instead of getting ahead," Esteves said in a video on his Facebook. "Georgia, it's time to fight back." Republican: Chris Carr has been attorney general of Georgia since 2016 and before that was commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. He was also chief of staff for U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson. "Progressive activists are trying to radically transform our values and our economy," Carr said in a video on YouTube. "We will not rest until we secure the border and hold Washington accountable." Georgia will choose its next governor during the general election on Nov. 3, 2026, according to Ballotpedia. The exact dates for the candidate filing deadline and primary elections haven't been announced yet. A special election is set for November 4, 2025, to fill seats in Public Service Commission Districts 2 and 3. The primaries will take place on June 17, with a runoff, if needed, on July 15. If no candidate wins outright in November, a runoff will be held on December 2. Key dates for voters: May 19: Last day to register to vote for the primaries May 27: Early in-person voting for the primaries begins October 6: Deadline to register for the special election October 14: Early voting for the special election begins Democrat: While she has not officially announced her candidacy, Keisha Lance Bottoms has filed paperwork to raise funds for a gubernatorial campaign. Bottoms is a former mayor of Atlanta and was a senior advisor for public engagement under President Joe Biden. "I am honored and humbled by the encouragement I have received as I have considered running for governor," Bottoms wrote on Facebook on April 28. "I am taking an important administrative step in this journey by filing necessary paperwork to establish a Campaign Committee. I look forward to making an announcement in the coming weeks." Vanessa Countryman is the Trending Topics Reporter for the the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@ This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Who is running for governor in Georgia? Here's who has announced campaigns
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Jason Carter rules out 2026 bid for governor as wife battles brain cancer
The Brief Jason Carter, grandson of former President Jimmy Carter, says he will not seek office in 2026 due to his wife Kate's diagnosis of glioblastoma. Kate Carter, a teacher and entrepreneur, is undergoing treatment for the aggressive brain cancer; the couple has two teenage sons. Jason Carter, a former state senator and 2014 gubernatorial candidate, now leads The Carter Center and practices law in Atlanta. ATLANTA - Former Georgia state Sen. Jason Carter said he has no plans to seek the 2026 nomination because of his wife's cancer diagnosis. "For all intents and purposes, I can't imagine making a decision to run because it's the wrong time for my family," Carter, 49, told The Associated Press on Monday. What we know Carter also told The Associated Press that he is "not going to endorse anybody," but that he was "very excited" that Sen. Jason Esteves has announced that he is in the running for governor in 2026. RELATED: Sen. Jason Esteves announces campaign for governor of Georgia Katharine "Kate" Lewis Carter has glioblastoma, a highly malignant and aggressive form of brain cancer. Treatment typically involves surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible, followed by radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Jason Carter did not reveal any additional details about his wife's condition. Jason Carter is the grandson of former President Jimmy Carter, who died at the age of 100 on Dec. 29, 2024, and first lady Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on Nov. 19, 2023, at the age of 96. Carter, who served in the Georgia State Senate from 2010 to 2015, was the Democratic Party nominee for governor in Georgia in 2014. He lost to incumbent Nathan Deal by 7.9%, receiving 44% of the vote. In November 2015, Jason became Chair of the Board of Trustees of The Carter Center, the nonprofit organization founded in 1982 by his grandparents to fight for human rights and the alleviation of human suffering, prevent and resolve conflicts, improve health care, and enhance freedom and democracy. He had previously served on the board since 2009. Jason is also a lawyer and has represented clients in high-stakes trial and appellate business litigation, including breach of contract, class actions, business torts, and other complex commercial cases, according to Bondurant Mixson & Elmore. He has received numerous awards for his legal work and community service. He also wrote a book published by National Geographic titled Power Lines, which detailed the racial divides he experienced in South Africa while serving in the Peace Corps. Kate Carter is a high school teacher and former journalist with the Athens Banner-Herald. She also launched a nutmilk brand, Treehouse Naturals, with a friend in 2016. The couple has two teenage sons. What they're saying Before his announcement about his decision not to run, Jason Carter had been mentioned as a centrist candidate with high name identification who could run as a bridge between the Democrats' base and voters who might be up for grabs if President Donald Trump's popularity and the Republican brand take a dip heading into 2026, according to The Associated Press.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
State Sen. Jason Esteves running for Georgia governor
Georgia State Sen. Jason Esteves launched his official campaign for governor on Monday. Esteves, who currently represents Georgia Senate District 35, is the first Democratic lawmaker to enter the 2026 gubernational race. 'I'm running to be the next Governor of Georgia. As a former teacher, small business owner, dad, and state senator, I've seen Georgia's potential because I've lived it. Georgia families are just looking for a fair shot. I'm Jason Esteves, and I know that together we can build a better Georgia,' he said in his first campaign video. Jason Esteves for Georgia I'm running to be the next Governor of Georgia. As a former teacher, small business owner, dad, and state senator, I've seen Georgia's potential because I've lived it. Georgia families are just looking for a fair shot. I'm Jason Esteves, and I know that together we can build a better Georgia. Join our campaign at Posted by Jason Esteves on Monday, April 21, 2025 [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Esteves grew up in Columbus, Georgia and worked as a public school teacher before his career in politics. He served as the chair of the Atlanta Public Schools board from 2018 until 2021. He won his election to the Georgia State Senate in 2022 and was sworn into office in Jan. 2023. TRENDING STORIES: Pope Francis, the first pontiff from the Americas, dies Braves' Ronald Acuña Jr. calls out manager in post on X Co-founder of Wax 'N' Facts record store in Little 5 Points dies With Gov. Brian Kemp's second and final term ending in 2026, the race to take over the governor's mansion is expected to be wide-open. Only two other candidates besides Esteves have officially declared: Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr for the GOP nomination and former pastor Olujimi Brown for the Democratic nomination. Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms may also enter the race. 'I have previously publicly shared that I was seriously considering a run for governor and expect to make a formal announcement soon,' Bottoms told Channel 2 earlier this month. U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath launched an exploratory committee for a potential run for governor, but suspended it after her husband's cancer diagnosis. Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones Jones isn't saying yet if he's running for governor, though most think he is. Jones said he needs more time. 'I'm going to get back into my office and work on getting caught up on a few things, and then we'll worry about timelines and all that stuff,' Jones said. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Rep. Gilliard Celebrates Final Passage of the Original 33 Memorial Act
ATLANTA, Ga. (WSAV) – State Representative Carl Gilliard (D-Savannah) announces the final passage of House Bill 303, The Original 33 Memorial Act, in the Georgia State Senate, where it was unanimously approved. The legislation had previously received unanimous approval in the Georgia House of Representatives. 'I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Chairman Matt Brass for his dedicated leadership in carrying this bill through the Senate,' said Rep. Gilliard. 'Today, we honor the giants—the Original 33 African Americans elected to the Georgia General Assembly in 1868. Unfortunately, they were denied their rightful place in history due to the color of their skin, with 14 of them suffering the unimaginable fate of lynching.' The Original 33 Memorial Act aims to honor and commemorate the lives and contributions of 33 great Americans. 'With the passage of this bill, we collectively send a powerful signal that Georgia remembers and recognizes the contributions of these 33 courageous Americans,' added Rep. Gilliard. 'Finally, we can salute these great leaders and celebrate their legacy and sacrifices.' HB 303 now heads to the governor's desk. The full text of HB 303 may be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
President Trump confirms GA state senator's appointment as US Treasurer
President Donald Trump confirmed in a social post on Wednesday that he has selected Georgia State Senator Brandon Beach as the new US Treasurer. Trump posted a statement on his Truth Social account. 'I am pleased to announce the appointment of Brandon Beach as the next Treasurer of the United States. Brandon helped us secure a Massive and Historic Victory for our Movement in the Great State of Georgia, and has been doing an incredible job in the Georgia State Senate since 2012. As our next Treasurer, Brandon will uphold the Values of Fiscal Responsibility, Economic Growth, and help unleash America's Golden Age. Congratulations Brandon!' [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Channel 2 Action News first reported on Beach's appointment on Friday. Beach has represented the north Fulton area since he was first elected in 2013. The Treasurer of the United States oversees the U.S. Mint, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and Fort Knox gold storage and also works closely with the Federal Reserve. Atlanta is one of 12 cities that has a Federal Reserve Bank. Other Georgians that are part of the Trump administration include former U.S. Rep. Doug Collins, who is now Veteran Affairs Secretary, and former U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler, who is now the head of the Small Business Administration. Trump also selected former Georgia U.S. Sen. David Perdue as his nominee for ambassador to China and UGA football legend Herschel Walker as his nominee for ambassador to the Bahamas. The Senate must confirm ambassador nominations. U.S. treasurer is an appointed position that does not need to be confirmed by Congress. TRENDING STORIES: Former employee of raided Bartow County factory says 'conditions were terrible' Social Security Administration backtracks on some ID requirements after backlash Family says 'we're lost' after 3-year-old killed in Rome apartment fire [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
