“As extreme politicians in Georgia push Trump’s reckless agenda and rig the system for special interests, Georgians pay the price,” Esteves said in a statement. 

“Now more than ever, we need to tackle the high cost of living, improve access to health care, protect women’s reproductive freedom, lower housing costs, and invest in schools across the state,” he continued.

Esteves was first elected to the state Senate in 2022 and is serving his second term. He previously served for about a decade on the Board of Education for Atlanta Public Schools.

Georgia has not had a Democratic governor in over 20 years.

Rep. Lucy McBath (D-GA) previously created an exploratory committee to look into her own run for governor, but she abandoned that plan after her husband was diagnosed with cancer and suffered complications from a surgery earlier this year. She said she has not entirely ruled out a run, however. 

SENATE DEMOCRATS SEE HOPE FOR MIDTERMS WITH 2024 DOWNBALLOT RESULTS

In addition to Esteves, other potential Democratic candidates include former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and former DeKalb Chief Executive Michael Thurmond.

On the Republican side of the race, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, who is closely aligned with Trump, announced his bid last year. Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones has not yet announced a run, saying he needs more time to decide.