Kelly
Esti
Kelly Esti is the 2026 Democratic nominee for Georgia's 8th Congressional District, challenging incumbent Austin Scott.
- sources
- 10
- positions
- 9
- endorsements
- 2
Background
Kelly Esti is the Democratic nominee challenging Republican incumbent Austin Scott in Georgia's 8th Congressional District in the November 2026 general election. Esti won the Democratic primary on May 19, 2026. He is not the incumbent. 58
Esti is a U.S. Navy veteran who has worked at Delta Air Lines, including as an airport customer service agent and later as an operations analyst. He is also listed as co-owner and CFO of BroTagz Embroidery, LLC. He has served on the Hapeville, Georgia Board of Zoning Appeals (2022–2024). 118
Esti grew up in southern Mississippi and resides in Hapeville, Georgia. He holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy Analysis from Walden University, an MBA in Finance from Webster University, and a B.A. in Management from Ottawa University. 1818
At a glance
- Party
- Democratic
- Running for
- U.S. House · District 8, Georgia
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
- Current office
- Democratic nominee for U.S. House, Georgia's 8th Congressional District
- Website
- kellyesti4congress.com(opens in a new tab)
Where they stand
Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.
Timeline
- Oct 12filingFEC-citing tracker reports Esti raised $19,343 in the 2026 cycle; candidate ID H6GA08138
An election-tracking page citing FEC files reported $19,343 raised for Esti in the 2026 cycle with FEC candidate ID H6GA08138. The specific reporting period behind the figure is unclear, and another race tracker found no Esti FEC reports through June 30, so sources differ on what filings are available.
Kelly Dr Esti | MundoNow Elections Candidate Intelligence · Oct 12, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 7newsEsti tells The Marijuana Herald he supports full federal marijuana legalization and banking reforms
The Marijuana Herald reported that Esti supports full federal marijuana legalization, rescheduling, and banking reforms for the cannabis industry. He also stated marijuana should be treated as an over-the-counter herb and that cannabis could become a significant U.S. export.
Election 2026: Where Candidates in All 435 U.S. House ... · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 24newsGEEARS posts Esti's children and family policy questionnaire responses
GEEARS published Esti's answer to a question about making Georgia a better place to raise children. He proposed free healthcare and education for children, stronger rural internet and transportation, a 'Georgia Intra-State Train,' youth mental-health and gun-violence programs, expanded school counseling, and curriculum on financial literacy, nutrition, climate change, and green energy. The page was updated September 28.
Kelly Esti - GEEARS · Sep 24, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 18newsEsti responds to STARRS candidate survey on reasons for running and DEI policy
STARRS published Esti's survey responses. He stated he wanted to help 'rebuild relationships around the world' and be part of a 'course correction for the country.' In a separate survey question, he indicated support for DEI programs.
Candidate Survey 2026: Why do you want to serve in the office for which you are running? | STARRS · Sep 18, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 16newsLocal-news interview with Kelly Esti on his run for Congress published on Yahoo
A local-news interview titled 'Full Interview: Kelly Esti on run for Congress' was published on Yahoo. It identifies Esti as the Democratic candidate challenging Republican Rep. Austin Scott in Georgia's 8th District. No specific new policy proposals were summarized in the listing.
Full Interview: Kelly Esti on run for Congress - Yahoo · Sep 16, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Endorsements
- Emily Davis (Baldwin County Commissioner) officialBaldwin County Commissioner. Esti's Facebook page states: "Proud to have the endorsement of Commissioner Emily Davis of Baldwin County!!" facebook.com · Jul 30, 2026
- DC Statehood PAC organizationDC Statehood PAC endorsed "Kelly Esti (D) for U.S. Representative (GA-08)" via Instagram post. The PAC's endorsements page describes criteria related to D.C. statehood and home rule. instagram.com · Jun 17, 2026
Campaign finance
Totals filed with the Federal Election Commission for the 2026 election cycle.
- Raised
- $19K
- Spent
- $24K
- Cash on hand
- $1,688
As of Jun 30, 2026. Filings are periodic, so recent money may not be included yet. ↳ FEC record H6GA08138(opens in a new tab)
Sources 10
- [1] Kelly Dr Esti | MundoNow Elections Candidate Intelligence(opens in a new tab) Oct 12, 2026
- [2] Election 2026: Where Candidates in All 435 U.S. House ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
- [3] Kelly Esti - GEEARS(opens in a new tab) Sep 24, 2026
- [4] Candidate Survey 2026: Why do you want to serve in the office for which you are running? | STARRS(opens in a new tab) Sep 18, 2026
- [5] Full Interview: Kelly Esti on run for Congress - Yahoo(opens in a new tab) Sep 16, 2026
- [6] Kelly Esti — 2026 Georgia's 8th Congressional District Election ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 2, 2026
- [7] Dr. Kelly Esti(opens in a new tab) Aug 11, 2026
- [8] Endorsement Alert We've endorsed Kelly Esti (D) for U.S. ...(opens in a new tab) Jun 17, 2026
- [9] Kelly Esti(opens in a new tab) Mar 18, 2026
- [10] Kelly Esti platform & website | Georgia U.S. Representative ...(opens in a new tab) Mar 10, 2026