Kelly Esti

Kelly Esti grew up in Magnolia, Mississippi, and says rural south Georgia feels familiar because it reminds him of home.¹ After finishing high school as salutatorian in 1999, he entered the Navy's nuclear power program, later recalling being the only Black sailor in his submarine's engine room.¹

His education continued with a management degree from Ottawa University, an MBA in finance from Webster University and a doctorate in public policy from Walden University.² His doctoral research examined poverty measurement, while his business experience includes work as chief financial officer and co owner of BroTagz Embroidery.²

Esti has served on local zoning boards and the board of the Main Street Academy charter school, where he chaired academic performance oversight.² He also worked with the coalition advocating creation of the city of South Fulton and served as a legislative aide to state Senator Donzella James in 2015.²

The Democrat faces Republican incumbent Austin Scott in Georgia's 8th District.³ Esti proposes stronger support for rural healthcare, affordable education, modern water and power systems, and transportation and broadband projects chosen with local leaders.⁴ He also emphasizes access to veterans' benefits and care, and promises civic engagement centers that would teach constituents about government and voting.⁴¹