Six Candidates Vie for Open Georgia Senate Seat Covering Parts of Cobb and Fulton – Election set for Nov. 18

The race to fill Georgia’s open Senate District 35 seat has drawn a crowded field of six candidates — four Democrats, one Republican, and one independent — all hoping to represent portions of Cobb and Fulton counties in the state Senate.

The seat was vacated when former Sen. Jason Esteves, an Atlanta Democrat, stepped down to focus on his gubernatorial bid. Gov. Brian Kemp has called a special election for Nov. 18, with early voting set to begin Oct. 27 and the voter registration deadline on Oct. 20.

The district leans Democratic, and the party establishment has quickly rallied behind former state Rep. Roger Bruce, who launched his campaign this week at the law offices of former Gov. Roy Barnes — the last Democrat to hold Georgia’s governorship.

Bruce, who served in the state House from 2003 until his retirement in 2024, said he was motivated to return to public service by concerns about the nation’s political direction.

“I can either sit around and hope that it goes away, or I can become the hope people are looking for,” Bruce said. “I’ve got a granddaughter who’s three years old, and I keep thinking about what kind of world I’m going to leave for her.”

He has received endorsements from Barnes and several Democratic leaders.

Also seeking the seat is former Cobb County School Board member Jaha Howard, a dentist who previously ran for state Senate, state school superintendent, and county commissioner.

Erica-Denise Solomon, a Fulton County consultant and former journalist, formally qualified to run Wednesday. In a campaign statement, she said she plans to focus on affordable housing, education, and infrastructure.

“Throughout my career, I have told the stories of communities that are too often overlooked or misrepresented,” Solomon said. “This campaign is about honoring our story, protecting our history, and building the future our families deserve.”

John Daryl Williams of Cobb County rounds out the Democratic field.

On the Republican side, Joshua Tolbert, a professional engineer from Cobb County, is the lone GOP contender. No Republican sought the seat during last year’s election cycle.

Running as an independent is Corenza Morris, a business owner and Georgia Army National Guard veteran, who says he will prioritize economic growth and crime reduction. If no candidate wins a majority on Nov. 18, a runoff will be held Dec. 16.

Some local election officials have expressed concern that voter turnout may be affected by the timing, as the special election follows closely after the statewide Public Service Commission contests. The Cobb County Board of Elections had requested that Gov. Kemp align the Senate election with the PSC races, but he declined, saying the change would shorten the campaign period.