Special Election for Georgia Senate District 35 Kicks Off Early Voting as Candidates Vie for Open Seat

ATLANTA, Ga. — Early voting for the Special Election in Georgia State Senate District 35 begins Monday, October 27, giving more than 61,000 active voters in portions of Cobb and Fulton counties three weeks to cast ballots before Election Day on November 18, 2025. The election was triggered by the resignation of Democratic Senator Jason Esteves, who stepped down to focus on his campaign for governor.

Voters in the district will have access to early voting Monday through Friday, plus Saturdays, at three polling locations in Fulton County. There will be no Sunday voting, and early voting concludes Friday, November 14.

The special election has attracted a diverse field of candidates, including four Democrats, one Republican, and one independent, all seeking to represent the metro Atlanta district.

Democratic frontrunner former state Rep. Roger Bruce announced his candidacy with high-profile endorsements, including support from former Governor Roy Barnes. Bruce, who served in the Georgia House from 2003 until retiring in 2024, cited concerns about the national political climate as motivation for returning to public office. “I just feel like I can either sit around and hope that it goes away or I can become the hope that people are looking for,” Bruce said. “I’ve got a granddaughter that’s three years old. I kept thinking about what kind of world am I going to leave for her?”

Other Democrats entering the race include:
Former Cobb County School Board member Jaha Howard, a dentist and previous candidate for state Senate, school superintendent, and county commissioner;
Erica-Denise Solomon, a Fulton County consultant and former Atlanta journalist focusing on affordable housing, education, and infrastructure;
John Daryl Williams of Cobb County.

Republican candidate Joshua Tolbert, a professional engineer, is the only GOP contender seeking the seat. No Republican ran for the district in last year’s election.

Independent candidate Corenza Morris, a business owner and Georgia Army National Guard veteran, has prioritized economic growth and crime reduction in his campaign platform.

The election will be held on November 18, with a runoff scheduled for December 16 if no candidate secures a majority of the vote. The last day to register for the special election was October 20.

Some local officials expressed concerns that turnout could be affected because the special election coincides with the statewide election for the Georgia Public Service Commission. The Cobb County Board of Elections requested moving the special election, but Governor Brian Kemp denied the request.

Senate 35 Candidates will participate in a community forum on October 28, designed to introduce themselves and share their vision for the district. The event will be moderated by former state legislator and radio personality Dr. Dee Dawkins-Haigler. The forum will take place at the Atlanta Area Council Scouting Headquarters. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the program starting at 6:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend and learn more about the candidates seeking to represent District 35 in the Georgia State Senate.

Candidates and voters alike are gearing up for a competitive race in a district long viewed as leaning Democratic.