Qualifying began Wednesday for about a half-dozen open state legislative seats, and a range of candidates have jumped into the races. The elections are set for Nov. 7 -- the same day as the Atlanta mayoral race and other local votes around the state. A full list of all the candidates can be found here.

Eight candidates jumped in the race for former state Sen. Hunter Hill's swingy Buckhead-based district: Democrats Jaha Howard,  Jen Jordan and Taos Wynn; and Republicans Kathy Eichenblatt, Leah Aldridge, Charlie Fiveash, Matt Bentley and Leo Smith.

Four Democrats are in the running to succeed ex-state Sen. Vincent Fort in his deep-blue Atlanta seat: Elijah Tutt, Linda Pritchett, Marckeith DeJesus and Nikema Williams. A sole Republican is also in the running: Nick Carlson.

One Democratic candidate qualified to replace ex-state Rep. Stacey Evans, who vacated her Smyrna-based seat to run for governor: Smyrna Mayor pro tem Teri Anulewicz.

Two candidates qualified to succeed ex-state Rep. Regina Quick in a conservative-leaning Athens district: Democrat Deborah Gonzalez and Republican Houston Gaines.

The contest to fill former state Rep. Stacey Abrams' Atlanta-based district drew four challengers. Democrats Sachin Varghese, Monique Keane, Bee Nguyen and David Abbott all threw their hats in the ring for the left-leaning seat.

And the race to replace former state Rep. Chuck Williams of Watkinsville, who represents a conservative-leaning Watkinsville-based district, attracted three candidates: Democrat Jonathan Wallace and Republicans Lawton Lord, Steven Strickland and Marcus Wiedower.

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The city of Brookhaven's mayor and City Council last week decided to remove the colored panes of glass from the dome of Brookhaven's new City Centre after residents objected to the brightness of the colors, seen here Friday, June 27, 2025. (Reed Williams/AJC)

Credit: Reed Williams/AJC