Jason Carter, the former Georgia state senator and grandson of the late President Jimmy Carter, is endorsing former state senator Jason Esteves in the Democratic primary for Georgia governor — a significant endorsement for Esteves as he competes for the Democratic nod amid a crowded field.
Carter, who was the Democrats’ gubernatorial nominee in 2014, said in a statement released through the Esteves campaign, “I am proud to endorse Jason Esteves as our next governor – meeting this moment and building the coalition Democrats need to win next year.”
“He is the new generation of leadership that Georgia needs and he still has a long record of fighting for our families,” he said. “I have known Jason for many years: I know his family, I know he has heart and intelligence, and I know he understands being a business owner and a public school parent.”
Esteves, in a separate statement, called it “an honor” to have the endorsement of a prominent Georgia Democrat, adding that “Jason and his family’s legacy of public service is an inspiration to me and countless Georgians across our state.”
Amid much speculation, Carter announced earlier this year that he would not run for governor.telling the associated press“I can’t even imagine deciding to run because it’s the wrong time for my family” because his wife is battling glioblastoma, a brain cancer.
Carter previously told The Associated Press that he did not plan to endorse anyone, although he indicated he was supportive of Esteves.
“I’m very excited about Jason (Esteves),” Carter told The Associated Press at the time.
Esteves is among seven candidates running in the Democratic contest to replace term-limited Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R). Former Pastor Olu Brown, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, former Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan, State Representative Derrick Jackson, State Representative Ruwa Romain and former DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond are also running.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Bert Jones (R), Attorney General Chris Carr (R) and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R) are seen as the three most serious challengers to the GOP nod.
Nonpartisan election handicapper Cook Political Report rates Kemp’s seat as a “toss up”.
