ATLANTA - Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jason Esteves resigned his Georgia Senate seat Wednesday as he launches his campaign for governor in 2026, according to The Associated Press .

Esteves, who represented Senate District 35 covering parts of Fulton and Cobb counties, said he wanted to focus fully on the race.

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"One thing has become clear from my time in the Senate: the challenges Georgia is facing require bold solutions and new leadership in the governor’s office," Esteves said in a statement. "That’s why I’m resigning … to put my whole heart into this campaign." Gov. Brian Kemp will call a special election to fill the vacancy.

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