Georgia
Special Election Day Results: How Georgia State Senate District 35 voted
Voters in Georgia’s State Senate District 35 headed to the polls Tuesday to select a new state senator, filling the seat left vacant by Democrat Jason Esteves, who is launching a gubernatorial bid.
The district, which includes portions of south Fulton, Douglasville, and Austell, saw a crowded field of six candidates vying for the seat during a pivotal off-year special election.
The candidates reflected a wide range of professional backgrounds and political priorities, offering voters differing visions for the district’s future from infrastructure upgrades and youth mentorship to policing, small business growth, and affordable housing.
The eventual winner will complete the remainder of Esteves’ term and likely play an influential role in legislative debates around education funding, economic development, voting rights, and criminal justice, issues that dominated this year’s campaigns.
No candidate secured more than 50% of the vote, so Democrats Jaha Howard and Roger Bruce – the top two finishers – will head to a runoff election, which is expected to be scheduled in the coming weeks.
Who was on the ballot
Roger Bruce (D) – A longtime state lawmaker, Bruce represented House District 61 from 2003–2024. He was a central figure in the successful effort to incorporate the City of South Fulton. Bruce has highlighted his legislative record on expanding voting rights, increasing fairness in minority business contracting, and strengthening community development.
Jaha V. Howard (D) – A pediatric dentist and former Cobb County Board of Education member, Howard campaigned on small business support, lowering healthcare barriers, and expanding affordable housing options.
Corenza Morris (I) – A former police officer, Army National Guard veteran, and small business owner, Morris focused his platform on job creation, reducing crime, and expanding family and youth economic opportunities.
Erica-Denise Solomon (D) – A journalist and media professional — and former 11Alive staffer — Solomon’s platform centered on workforce training, infrastructure investments, small business growth, and affordable housing.
Josh Tolbert (R) – An engineer and small business owner, Tolbert emphasized strengthening K–12 education, supporting entrepreneurs, partnering with local charities and churches, and improving housing affordability for working families.
John D. Williams (D) – A community mentor and organizer, Williams prioritized expanding youth programs, addressing voter suppression, improving infrastructure, and deepening trust between law enforcement and neighborhoods through community-based partnerships.
Election results
Democrats Jaha Howard and Roger Bruce were the top two candidates.
Full precinct-level results for the November 18 special election can be found on the Georgia Secretary of State’s elections portal.
View the complete results here.
Georgia is being invaded by tegu lizards that are taking over the state
Argentine black and white tegus have not been a threat to humans and common household pets, but do pose a danger to native species.
USA TODAY
Georgians pride themselves on Southern hospitality, but there’s one animal that’s overstayed its welcome.
The state department of natural resources and its partners are working hard to remove the Argentine tegus trying to build a home here.
What is a tegu?
The tegu is a large, invasive, commonly black and white lizard from Argentina. They can grow up to 4 feet long and weighing 10 pounds or more, according to Georgia Wildlife. Unlike some other lizards, the tegu rarely climbs more than a few feet off the ground, but they are strong swimmers.
From late fall and through the winter months, tegus head into burrows for brumation, a hibernation-type period, to avoid freezing temperatures. They usually breed in the spring and typically lay 35 eggs per year which have a 60-day incubation. They may live up to 20 years.
What does a tegu look like?
The Argentine tegu has mottled black and white skin. The colors are often arranged into a banding pattern across the back and tail. Hatchlings display similar markings, but typically have bright green heads. The green fades after they reach about one month of age.
Where have tegus been reported in Georgia?
The University of Georgia runs an interactive map with detailed info about tegus in Georgia. Over the last few years, there have been 56 reports spread out across counties across the state. Here are the counties with the most reports:
- Tattnall County: 16
- Toombs County: 10
- Gwinnett County: 5
Are tegus dangerous?
Although not considered aggressive toward people, tegus will defend themselves if threatened, according to Georgia Wildlife. They can react fast and lash with their tails. They also have sharp teeth and claws and strong jaws.
Tegus also represent a natural threat because they have few predators and can multiple quickly. They eat the eggs of ground-nesting birds—including quail and turkeys—and other reptiles like the American alligator and gopher tortoise which are protected species. They will also eat chicken eggs, fruit, vegetables, plants, pet food, carrion and small live animals.
Can you kill a tegu if you see it?
Tegus can be trapped or killed on private property in Georgia with the landowner’s permission and using legal methods in accordance with local ordinances, animal cruelty laws, and safety precautions.
Also, on public Wildlife Management Areas, tegus can be killed with firearms legal for the current hunting season. Using traps to catch tegus is not allowed. Anyone who sees a tegu on a WMA should also alert that region’s Game Management office.
How do you report a possible tegu?
Contact Georgia DNR when you see a tegu in the wild, dead or alive. These reports help biologists document occurrences and respond effectively. Note the location, take a photo if possible and report the sighting:
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
ATHENS — Kylie Chung of Cumming chased down two accomplished college players to become the second-youngest winner of the Georgia Women’s Amateur Championship on Wednesday. Not bad for a girl won won’t start high school until this fall.
Chung, 14, a soon-to-be freshman at Lambert High School, birdied the final three holes at Athens Country Club to shoot 5-under 67 to finish 6-under 210. She won by two shots over defending champion Ava Merrill of Johns Creek, who plays at Vanderbilt, and Mary Mille of Savannah, who plays at Ole Miss.
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ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — per gallon on regular gas and 37 cents per gallon on
For two months, Gov. Brian Kemp suspended the state gas tax, saving drivers 33 cents per gallon on regular gas and 37 cents per gallon on diesel. For the average driver who fills up twice a week, that adds up to more than $60 back in their pocket.
“I think it’s uncalled for. It’s very much uncalled for,” said Marie Okafia, a driver.
Looking for alternatives
The sharp spike in prices has some drivers looking for a different way to get to work. Rebecca Serna, executive director of Propel ATL, said riding a bike is a cost-cutting measure, and more people are already doing it.
“We’re seeing more bike lanes, more scoot lanes,” Serna said. “The cost of car ownership has gone up dramatically, but the cost of these other types of transportation have stayed relatively the same. So, it can really save families a lot of money.”
The city has added several miles of protected bike lanes in recent months, making the commute safer for anyone ready to ditch the pump. Propel ATL also noted the opening of the southeast and southside Beltline, connecting to those new bike lanes.
Impact on families
For Georgia families already stretched thin, the timing couldn’t be worse. The price increase affects not just what drivers pay at the gas station, but what they’ll give up somewhere else.
“We’re already grappling with high cost of food, and then we have to face this too. They both go hand-in-hand,” Okafia said.
Atlanta is bringing back its e-bike rebate program this fall. You can learn more about the program and the nonprofit Propel ATL here.
Copyright 2026 WANF. All rights reserved.
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