U.S. House of Representatives District 8 in Congressional District 8, Georgia

2026 Primary Election

• James Austin Scott — Incumbent U.S. Representative in GA

  James Austin Scott, widely known as Austin Scott, is the U.S. Representative for Georgia's 8th congressional district, a position he has held since 2011. A Republican, he is the most senior Republican currently serving in Georgia's congressional delegation. Before his time in the U.S. House, Scott served in the Georgia House of Representatives. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in risk management and insurance from the University of Georgia. His policy positions include advocating for a strong national defense, a healthy agricultural economy, limited government, and small business job growth. Scott is currently a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in the 2026 Georgia Primary Election.

• Justin M. Lucas — officeholder of the Worth County Schools school board, District 1 in Sylvester, GA

  Justin M. Lucas is a Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives, seeking to represent Georgia's 8th Congressional District. He is on the ballot for the Democratic primary scheduled for May 19, 2026. Lucas currently serves as an officeholder on the Worth County Schools school board for District 1 in Georgia. He is running to represent the people of Georgia in Congress.

• Kelly Esti — Small business owner in GA

  Kelly Esti is a Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in Georgia's 8th Congressional District in 2026. A Navy veteran, he served as a nuclear operator from 1999 to 2002. Esti holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy, along with bachelor's and graduate degrees. His professional experience includes working as an analyst, small business CFO, legislative aide, and community advocate. Dr. Esti's platform prioritizes affordable lifelong education, sustainable infrastructure, and poverty eradication through evidence-based policy. He aims to bring his finance and policy expertise to Washington, focusing on transparent representation for both rural and urban Georgia.