Jason Carter, a former state senator from Georgia and grandson of the late President Jimmy Carter, is backing former state senator Jason Estevez in the Democratic primary for governor. Estevez is vying for the Democratic nomination in what is shaping up to be a competitive election.
“I’m proud to endorse Jason Estevez as our next governor. He’s the candidate poised to unite the coalition that Democrats need for success next year,” Carter, who himself ran for governor in 2014, stated in a release from Estevez’s campaign.
“He embodies the new leadership that Georgia requires and has a solid history of advocating for his community.” Carter added, “I’ve known him for years, and I can attest to his character and experience, both as an administrator and a public school parent.”
Estevez, in his own statement, expressed his gratitude for the backing of influential Democrats in Georgia, noting that Carter’s legacy of public service serves as a powerful motivator for him and many Georgians.
Earlier this year, Carter made the decision not to enter the gubernatorial race amidst speculation. His wife is fighting glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer, and he mentioned, “It wouldn’t be the right time for my family to run.”
Carter had previously suggested he might not support anyone officially but had hinted at his support for Estevez. “I’m really excited about Jason (Estevez),” he mentioned to the Associated Press.
Estevez is among seven Democratic candidates seeking to take over the position from term-limited Republican Governor Brian Kemp. Other contenders include former pastor Ol Brown, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, former Lieutenant Governor Jeff Duncan, state Rep. Derrick Jackson, state Rep. Luwa Lonman, and former DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond.
On the Republican side, Lt. Gov. Bert Jones, Attorney General Chris Carr, and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger are considered the major contenders for the party’s nomination.
The Cook Political Report, a nonpartisan analysis group, has labeled Kemp’s seat as a “toss up.”
