Two Democrats advance to a runoff in contest to name new state senator for metro Atlanta district

Two candidates vying to replace former state Sen. Jason Esteves to represent a metro Atlanta Senate seat are headed to a runoff election next month after neither candidate managed to secure more than 50% of the vote in a six-way special election held Tuesday.

Esteves, an Atlanta Democrat, resigned from the state Senate in September to focus on his campaign for governor.

Former Cobb County School Board member Jaha Howard and retired state Rep. Roger Bruce will be advancing to the runoff after receiving 33% and 25% of the vote, respectively, according to unofficial results from the secretary of state’s office. Senate District 35 includes portions of Cobb and Fulton counties.

Over 5,000 voters showed up to cast their ballot for Howard, a dentist and Smyrna resident who centered his campaign around supporting small businesses, eliminating obstacles to health care access and reducing energy costs.


https://georgiarecorder.com/2025/11/19/two-democrats-advance-to-a-runoff-in-contest-to-name-new-state-senator-for-metro-atlanta-district/