ATLANTA >> Georgia Democrat Jason Esteves announced on Monday that he’s running for governor in 2026, entering a field that remains murky for his party after two top potential candidates backed away from a run.

The 41-year-old state senator, also a lawyer and business owner, remains largely unknown outside his state Senate district, which includes parts of Fulton and Cobb counties. An early announcement could help him to raise money and increase his visibility.

He’s likely to emphasize his biography, including his young children and his past service as a public school teacher. Esteves has also served as treasurer of the state Democratic Party, giving him a network among Democratic activists.

— The Associated Press