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Loading this candidate’s profile from the FEC filings and campaign records.
Where They Stand is a nonpartisan guide to everyone running for Congress: their money, their own words and how incumbents voted. Find your ballot →
Candidates › GA-08 race › 2025–2026
D Democratic nominee for U.S. House, GA-08
Has not served in Congress
No campaign site or public profiles are attached to this record yet.
2 priorities from kellyesti4congress.com, in the order they are listed there. Every heading and the text under it is copied exactly, as one passage for each page it is from, and links to that place on the page; hover a source to see which passage it opens.
In Georgia’s 8th District, we have about 769,000 residents, and education shapes opportunities at every stage of life. With a median household income of $60,479 and 7.25% of households speaking a non‑English language at home, our communities depend on learning spaces that are flexible, affordable, and welcoming to everyone—students, working adults, and families working to build better futures.
My own education journey has shown me how powerful learning can be. From my early school years in the South to earning my PhD, I’ve experienced firsthand how access to strong schools, supportive teachers, and affordable education programs can open doors. Many people in the district are on similar paths, whether they’re earning certifications, learning English, updating job skills, or changing careers to support their families.
Education isn’t only about K–12. It’s a lifelong tool that helps people grow and adapt, especially in a district where major industries like health care, retail, and manufacturing all rely on a skilled workforce. When people can afford to learn new skills, it strengthens families and supports long‑term economic stability across the region.
As your congressman, my role is to support federal programs that expand access to education, push for funding that keeps learning affordable, and make sure our district has a real voice in national decisions about schools and workforce development.
Education changed my life, and I want every resident of Georgia’s 8th District to have the same opportunity to move forward
source ↗ (opens the page at this passage) · kellyesti4congress.com
Heading as listed on kellyesti4congress.com ↗ (opens kellyesti4congress.com at this heading)
More than 66% of residents in Georgia’s 8th District own their homes, and property values continue to rise. Families depend on steady, affordable utilities to manage everyday life. Growing up in the South, I saw how easily a community can be set back when basic services are unreliable. Later, as a small‑business owner and CFO, I learned how utility costs and outdated systems can affect both households and local employers.
Some parts of our district still deal with aging power grids, water systems, or limited access to modern energy options. As renewable energy, like solar and wind, becomes more affordable nationwide, communities should have the option to explore these alternatives if they believe they will reduce long‑term costs.
As your congressman, my job is to help local governments access federal grants, support legislation that modernizes utility systems, and ensure rural communities aren’t left behind when new energy programs roll out. My focus is on giving each city and county the tools they need to choose what works best for them.
source ↗ (opens the page at this passage) · kellyesti4congress.com
Healthcare impacts every family in our district. About 13.9% of residents are uninsured, and more than 43,000 people work in the health care sector, making it one of our largest industries. When I served in the Navy, I learned how important consistent medical care is—not just for individuals, but for the strength and readiness of entire communities.
Here at home, families rely on employer insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, and VA programs. But access varies. Some counties struggle to attract specialty doctors, and others lack basic primary‑care services. Rural residents may have long drives or limited transportation to reach the care they need.
Treating healthcare as a public good means focusing on access, affordability, and reliability.
As your congressman, my role is to strengthen federal health programs, support funding for rural clinics and hospitals, and work with agencies to improve access to essential services throughout the district.
Healthy communities are stronger communities.
source ↗ (opens the page at this passage) · kellyesti4congress.com
Heading as listed on kellyesti4congress.com ↗ (opens kellyesti4congress.com at this heading)
Infrastructure affects nearly every aspect of life in Georgia’s 8th District. With 81.7% of workers driving alone to their jobs and an average commute of 23 minutes, well‑maintained roads and bridges are essential.
In some communities, the priority may be major road repairs. In others, exploring transit options could help residents reach work, school, or medical appointments more easily.
Digital access is equally critical. As a scholar and small‑business owner, I’ve seen how internet access can determine whether students succeed, whether businesses grow, and whether families can access services. Yet some parts of our district still lack strong broadband.
As your congressman, my job is to secure federal funding for transportation and broadband projects and support local leaders as they choose the solutions that fit their community best.
Infrastructure should work for everyone, no matter their ZIP code.
source ↗ (opens the page at this passage) · kellyesti4congress.com
Heading as listed on kellyesti4congress.com ↗ (opens kellyesti4congress.com at this heading)
Growing up in the South and working across different communities, I’ve seen how important it is for people to feel respected and safe in their daily lives. In Georgia’s 8th District, we have a wide mix of backgrounds; urban, rural, military, multilingual, and multi‑generational families. With 97.3% of residents being U.S. citizens and thousands of households speaking languages other than English, it’s important that federal systems and public services work fairly for everyone.
Civil rights and personal freedoms aren’t just concepts, they show up in real‑life situations like applying for housing, accessing public services, interacting with law enforcement, or navigating government paperwork. My experience in planning, zoning, and community advocacy has shown me how rules, if not carefully overseen, can create unequal outcomes for different groups of people.
As your congressman, my responsibility is to make sure federal protections are enforced consistently, agencies follow the law, and everyone in the district (no matter their background) can rely on fair treatment when dealing with federal programs. Personal freedom also means having the space to live your life without unnecessary government barriers, and ensuring that our district’s diverse communities all have equal access to opportunity.
source ↗ (opens the page at this passage) · kellyesti4congress.com
Heading as listed on kellyesti4congress.com ↗ (opens kellyesti4congress.com at this heading)
Our district has about 326,000 workers, and major job sectors include office support, sales, management, manufacturing, retail, and healthcare. Even though median income is $60,479, about 18.1% of residents live below the poverty line.
As someone who has worked across multiple fields, from the Navy, to education leadership, to running a small business, I’ve seen how much stability and fairness matter in the workplace.
Many workers face unpredictable schedules, low wages, unsafe conditions, or limited access to benefits. Supporting strong worker rights isn’t just about fairness—it’s about building a stable economy where families can plan for the future.
As your congressman, my role is to support federal labor standards, work with agencies to enforce workplace protections, and make sure economic policies reflect the needs of both workers and employers in our district.
When workers feel secure, the entire community benefits.
source ↗ (opens the page at this passage) · kellyesti4congress.com
Heading as listed on kellyesti4congress.com ↗ (opens kellyesti4congress.com at this heading)
Georgia’s 8th District has a strong and well‑known military connection, especially with Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, one of the largest employers in the region. Many families in Warner Robins, Macon, and Valdosta have deep ties to military service, whether through active duty, the reserves, civilian defense work, or long‑standing family traditions of serving our country. As a Navy veteran, I understand the challenges service members face during and after their time in uniform.
Veterans in our district rely on federal programs like VA health care, disability benefits, education support, and housing assistance. Access to these services can vary depending on where someone lives, especially in rural communities where medical facilities and transportation options may be limited. Ensuring that veterans in every part of the district can reach the care and resources they earned is an important responsibility.
Supporting military families also means paying attention to the needs of spouses and children. Frequent moves can affect employment, schooling, and access to consistent medical care. Stable housing, reliable health services, and strong community networks make a meaningful difference for families who relocate often or transition back into civilian life.
As a member of Congress, part of my job would be to oversee the federal agencies that support veterans and military communities. That includes monitoring how programs are delivered, identifying gaps in access, and making sure national policies reflect the needs of a district with a large and active military presence. My goal is to ensure that service members, veterans, and their families receive the support they have earned through their service.
source ↗ (opens the page at this passage) · kellyesti4congress.com
Heading as listed on kellyesti4congress.com ↗ (opens kellyesti4congress.com at this heading)
Heading as listed on kellyesti4congress.com ↗ (opens kellyesti4congress.com at this heading)
FEC filings, Jan 1, 2026 to Sep 30, 2026 · Official FEC bulk data · committee C00912584
$1.03 has been spent for every dollar raised across 3 reports ($28.9K of $28K). Cash on hand went from $2.7K on Mar 31, 2026 to $3.7K on Sep 30, 2026.
| Report | Raised in the period | Spent in the period | Cash on hand at its close |
|---|---|---|---|
| APRIL QUARTERLY 2026 through Mar 31, 2026 | $17,655 | $24,003 | $2,662 |
| JULY QUARTERLY 2026 through Jun 30, 2026 | $1,688 | $0 | $1,688 |
| OCTOBER QUARTERLY 2026 through Sep 30, 2026 | $8,620 | $4,911 | $3,709 |
Each report’s own period, as filed with the FEC; a report filed again counts once, as its latest copy.
A donor who gave several times appears once. The 3 largest donors by total given are listed. In all, 3 itemized contributions were filed this cycle, totaling $3.5K.
Total reported receipts $27,963
Every dollar the committee reported receiving this cycle, split by the source the FEC filing attributes it to. Open a source marked + to see who gave. FEC filings through Sep 30, 2026.
2 endorsers listed on Kelly Esti’s own campaign site.
This is the campaign's claim, checked by an editor against its page; the endorsers have not confirmed it to us. Each name opens the campaign’s page with that name highlighted.
State Senator, 26th District - Macon
Macon Water Authority (MWA) Board
Advanced · 23,802 votes (53%) · 1 of 2 · Full results ↗
Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Every contest for this seat that named this candidate, most recent last; a result is shown once the race is called. Election dates and results from civicAPI (civicapi.org). civicAPI aggregates results from Secretaries of State and equivalent election bodies, and makes its own race calls. civicapi.org ↗
Official FEC filing record for the current cycle. The priorities they publish are quoted from their own site, in their order.
Statements are quoted from these pages exactly. Headings, order and wording are the campaign’s; the record marking is ours.
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Tap or hover over a state, or focus the map and use the arrow keys, to read its total. Ctrl or ⌘ and scroll to zoom.
100% of the money placed by state came from inside Georgia: $3.5K of $3.5K.
| Name | Amount |
|---|---|
| 3 contributions · 100% | $3,500 |
By the state each donor wrote on the filing, across 1 states and territories. Donors who have given $200 or less this cycle are not itemized, so they cannot be placed on a map. The FEC’s grouping also counts joint-fundraising memo lines, so these rows can add up to more than the itemized total.
| Employer as filed | Amount |
|---|---|
| 2 contributions · 71% of ranked | $2,500 |
| Written instead of an employer · 1 contribution · 29% of ranked | $1,000 |
Itemized gifts over $200, grouped by the words donors filed: not an industry classification, and a gift from an employee is not a gift from the employer. The FEC’s grouping also counts joint-fundraising memo lines, so these rows can add up to more than the itemized total. Gifts of $200 or less ($2,563) are not itemized, so no employer or occupation is filed for them.
| Occupation as filed | Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 contribution · 43% of ranked | $1,500 |
| 1 contribution · 29% of ranked | $1,000 |
| 1 contribution · 29% of ranked | $1,000 |
Itemized gifts over $200, grouped by the words donors filed: not an industry classification, and a gift from an employee is not a gift from the employer. The FEC’s grouping also counts joint-fundraising memo lines, so these rows can add up to more than the itemized total. Gifts of $200 or less ($2,563) are not itemized, so no employer or occupation is filed for them.
Money groups spent on their own, not through a campaign. Each ad is filed against the candidate it names, so money attacking an opponent shows on the opponent’s row. Open a candidate to see who spent it.
Total itemized disbursements $23,565
Every itemized payment the committee reported this cycle, sorted by what it said each one was for. The categories are ours; the wording they are matched against is the committee’s own. Open a category to read the filed descriptions and who was paid. FEC filings through Sep 30, 2026.
All 10 itemized payments filed this cycle. Spending below the itemization threshold is not filed line by line.
| Name | Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 payment · 52% of all spending | $15,000 |
| 1 payment · 18% of all spending | $5,220 |
| 2 payments · 4% of all spending | $1,170 |
| 1 payment · 2.9% of all spending | $825 |
| 1 payment · 1.7% of all spending | $492 |
| 1 payment · 1.6% of all spending | $475 |
| 1 payment · 1% of all spending | $283 |
| 2 payments · 0.3% of all spending | $100 |
The people, firms and committees paid the most, across every kind of payment. Each share is of everything the committee reported spending this cycle, not only the itemized payments above. A payee that is itself a committee links to its own profile.