Kelly Esti
D
Won the May 19 Democratic primary, defeating Justin Lucas
Kelly Esti is an entrepreneur, scholar, U.S. Navy veteran, and Delta Air Lines analyst running for Georgia's 8th Congressional District. He holds a Ph.D. in public policy, an MBA in finance, and a B.A. in management, and previously served on the Fulton County Zoning Board and as a Hapeville Board of Appeals member.[3]
Basic profile — the most important sourced facts we found.
Positions on the issues
- SupportsRaise taxes on high earners or corporations
Wants wealthy individuals and large multinational corporations to pay more in taxes to fund infrastructure, education, and healthcare investments.[3]
- SupportsExpand public health coverage
Lists reducing healthcare costs for families and young adults as a priority.[3]
In their words — priorities
- Says he will commit to regular town halls and to making his congressional office "a place where citizens can come learn and be empowered through knowledge."[3]
- Wants to ensure wealthy individuals and large multinational corporations "pay their fair share of taxes" to fund infrastructure, rural broadband, education, and lower healthcare costs.[3]
- Proposes a Georgia intercity rail system ("the Georgia Intrastate Transit") connecting the state's large cities to reduce road wear, congestion, and pollution.[3]
Background
- Holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy, an MBA with a focus in Finance, and a B.A. in Management; enlisted in the U.S. Navy after high school and served as a nuclear-trained sailor.[3]
- Has worked with JPMorganChase, E*Trade Financial, UPS, and currently works as an analyst with Delta Air Lines.[3]
- Has served on the Fulton County Zoning Board, as a board member for the Main Street Academy charter school, as a Hapeville Board of Appeals member, and as Legislative Chair for Georgia Equality; describes himself as one of the founders of the city of South Fulton, Georgia.[3]
Campaign money
Raised $19K · spent $24K · $1,688 cash on hand (through 2026-06-30) FEC filing ↗