Kelly Esti

According to Ballotpedia, Esti earned a high school diploma from South Pike High School. A WALB report says he grew up in Magnolia, Mississippi.[3][4] Ballotpedia lists his Navy service as 1999 to 2002; in his own words, he enlisted after high school as a nuclear-trained sailor, and WALB says he studied nuclear power in the Navy.[2][3][4] Per Ballotpedia, he holds a bachelor's degree from Ottawa University, a graduate degree from Webster University, and a Ph.D. from Walden University. He describes his degrees as a Ph.D. in public policy, an MBA with a focus in finance, and a B.A. in management.[2][3]

Esti says he has worked with JPMorganChase, E*Trade Financial, and UPS, and he currently works as an analyst with Delta Air Lines.[2] He says he served on the Fulton County Zoning Board, as a board member and School Performance and Academic Chair for the Main Street Academy charter school, as a Hapeville Board of Appeals member, and as Legislative Chair for Georgia Equality. He describes himself as one of the founders of the city of South Fulton, Georgia, and WALB reports he was involved in creating the city.[2][4]

Esti was one of two Democrats in the May 19, 2026 primary for the 8th District. He won, defeating Justin Lucas 53.5% to 46.5%.[2][4] During the campaign, he emphasized community engagement, lower costs, education and transportation.[2][3] He received 39.6% of the vote to Austin Scott's 60.4%, according to unofficial results reported by NBC News.[1]