Has Mamdani given Democrats their mojo back?
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s campaign centered on the issue of affordability. That resonated with young voters.
For more than 20 years, Georgia has had a Republican in the governor’s seat. But that could change by 2027.
The gubernatorial primaries are just a few months away, and so far, seven Democrats are looking to win the nomination, according to Ballotpedia. Here’s a look at who they are and why they are running:
Jason Esteves
Jason Esteves was elected as a state senator in 2023 for part of the metro Atlanta area, specifically the 35th district. Before that, he was a litigation attorney and a public school teacher. He is also a former Board Chair of the Atlanta Public Schools Board of Education and owns multiple small businesses including a clinic in Atlanta and restaurants in Columbus and Macon.
“Georgians are working harder than ever, but so many are still being left behind,” Esteves said on his website. “I’m done watching extreme politicians rig the system for special interests just to stick working families with the bill.”
Keisha Lance Bottoms
Keisha Lance Bottoms is a former mayor of Atlanta, senior advisor for public engagement under President Joe Biden, former Atlanta City Council member, and former executive director of the Atlanta and Fulton County Recreation Authority. She was also a lawyer in a private practice.
“No matter how hard they swing, you never stay down, you fight back,” Bottoms said on her website. “That’s why I’m running for governor, because Georgia families deserve far better than what Donald Trump and Republicans are giving us.”
Olu Brown
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.”
Ruwa Romman
Ruwa Romman is the first Muslim woman and first Palestinian elected to the Georgia House of Representatives. She’s a Democrat who represents part of the metro Atlanta area, including Duluth. According to her biography, she has also worked as communications director for CAIR Georgia, helped establish the Georgia Volunteer Hub, and was a field organizer for multiple organizations.
“I believe we can make history and change policy to benefit all Georgia families,” she said. “We often hear that we are the number one place to do business. I believe we can make Georgia the number one place to live.”
Geoff Duncan
Geoff Duncan is a former lieutenant governor and representative in the Georgia House. He was also a pro baseball player, pitching for six seasons with the Florida Marlins and played for Georgia Tech. Duncan was also famously banned from the Georgia Republican Party earlier this year after heavily criticizing President Donald Trump and endorsing former Vice President Kamala Harris in the last election.
“I’m running to put Georgians in the best position to once again love their neighbors and to make Georgia the frontline of democracy and a backstop against extremism,” Duncan said on his website. “We need to push back and we need to win.”
Geoff Duncan makes his first Savannah Campaign visit as a democrat
Former Republican Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan made his first Savannah visit as a democrat in his campaign for Georgia Governor.
Derrick Jackson
Derrick Jackson is a representative in the Georgia House, a retired officer of the U.S. Navy, former senior marketing manager for General Electric, and a member of multiple nonprofit organizations.
“As your Governor, I will lead with a revolutionary philosophy centered on empowering Georgia’s working and middle-class families to reach their full potential,” Jackson said on his website. “For too long, the scales of opportunity have tilted against everyday Georgians. That ends now.”
Michael Thurmond
Mike Thurmond is a former Georgia Labor Commissioner and CEO of DeKalb County as well as a historian and attorney.
“We cannot allow hyper-partisanship to stand in the way of doing what’s right,” Thurmond said on his Facebook page. “I’m ready to put boots on the ground and deliver real results as your governor.”
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for Gannett/USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
