State House District 51 in Georgia State House District 51, Georgia

2026 Primary Election

• Derek Keith Gettmann — Managing Director in Atlanta, GA, GA

  Derek Keith Gettmann, also known as Keith Gettmann, is running as a Republican for State Representative in Georgia's House District 51 in the 2026 Primary Election. His district covers Johns Creek, Roswell, and Sandy Springs. A first-time political candidate, Gettmann emphasizes his commitment to fighting for constituents' values and protecting traditional family, free markets, and national identity. He advocates for eliminating the IRS, Department of Energy, and EPA. Gettmann holds a B.S. in Applied Biology and Applied Mathematics from Georgia Tech and has a career as an investor and financial services executive, including roles as a Managing Director. He is 75 years old.

• Aaron Baker — Software architect in Sandy Springs, GA

  Aaron Baker, a Jewish parent, trans woman, and community organizer, is running for Georgia State House District 51. A software architect in Sandy Springs for over 20 years, she uses her expertise to create tools that simplify legislation and expose dark money in politics. Baker is committed to transparency, accountability, and justice, driven by Jewish values. Her platform champions affordable housing, a livable wage, fully funded public education, expanded public transit, and guaranteed bodily autonomy. She aims to empower everyday, working-class Georgians and ensure government works for the people, not special interests.

• Esther Panitch — Incumbent State Representative, District 51 in GA

  Esther Panitch is an incumbent Democratic State Representative for Georgia House District 51, having assumed office in January 2023. An attorney by profession, she has dedicated 30 years to advocating for families, serving as a domestic violence advocate and public defender. Originally from Miami, Florida, she moved to Georgia in 2004 and raised her three children in the community. As the only Jewish member of the Georgia House, she co-sponsored legislation defining antisemitism and testified against a neo-Nazi who threatened her life due to this advocacy. She champions women's healthcare decisions, proper school funding, fair compensation for educators, and Medicaid expansion. She is running for re-election to ensure every voice in her district is heard.