ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - For a state that hasn’t elected a Democrat as governor in the 21st century, a lot of them are running for Georgia’s highest office next year.

Before Monday, six Democrats were hoping to succeed outgoing Gov. Brian Kemp in 2026’s midterms. Now, that number has climbed to seven, as state Rep. Ruwa Romman, a two-term lawmaker from Duluth, launched her campaign today.

Romman joins former DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond , former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms ; former state Sen. Jason Esteves ; state Rep. Derrick Jackson ; businessman/ pastor Olu Brown ; and Republican-turned-Democrat and former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan in next year’s Democratic gubernatorial primary.

All candidates have strong ties to Atlanta, and all would make history if

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