Former Georgia State Senator Jason Carter says he has no plans to seek the 2026 Democratic nomination for governor.
Carter told the Associated Press that his wife, Katharine "Kate" Lewis Carter, is battling glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, and that this is simply the wrong time for his family.
He also stated that he does not plan to endorse any candidates at this time, though he expressed enthusiasm about Senator Jason Esteves entering the race.
Glioblastoma is a highly malignant brain tumor. Treatment typically involves surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible, followed by radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Carter did not share further details about his wife’s condition.
Jason Carter is the grandson of former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100 on Dec. 29, 2024, and First Lady Rosalynn Carter, who died on Nov. 19, 2023, at the age of 96.
Carter served in the Georgia State Senate from 2010 to 2015 and was the Democratic nominee for governor in 2014, when he lost to incumbent Nathan Deal, earning 44% of the vote.
