Longtime Conyers Dentist and Community Leader Seeks to Bring Service-Oriented Leadership to Washington

CONYERS, GA – Dr. Joe Lester, a respected dentist who has served Georgia communities for nearly four decades, today announced his candidacy for the United States House of Representatives to represent Georgia’s 13th Congressional District in the 2026 election.

Born and raised on a sharecropper’s farm in Blue Springs, just outside of Hawkinsville, Georgia, Dr. Lester brings a lifetime of service and deep Georgia roots to his congressional campaign. A graduate of Fort Valley State University and Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry, he made history in 1990 as the first African American dentist to establish a practice in Conyers, Georgia, where he has lived and worked for more than 33 years.

“I’ve spent my entire career putting people first – caring for them, listening to their concerns, and working to improve their lives,” said Dr. Lester. “Now, I feel called to serve in a different way: by stepping into the arena to defend our democracy and push back against the forces that seek to undermine it.”

Dr. Lester’s commitment to public service extends far beyond his private practice. For 11 years, he served as a prison dentist within the Georgia Department of Corrections, and spent nearly 20 years working for the Department of Juvenile Justice, providing dental care and hope to young people who had been too often forgotten. His career began with a National Health Corps scholarship, which he honored by serving in underserved communities after graduating from dental school.

The campaign will focus on three key priorities:

• Protecting Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid – Defending the hard-won gains that provide security for seniors and vulnerable populations
• Defending Voting Rights – Standing up against attacks on democratic participation and ensuring every voice is heard
• Criminal Justice Reform and Economic Empowerment – Working to create a more equitable system that provides opportunities for all Georgians

“The United States faces a critical internal crisis threatening the foundation of our democracy,” Dr. Lester stated. “I’m running to protect our democratic institutions and to stand up for truth, equity, and inclusion.”

Dr. Lester and his wife Kimberly, both Fort Valley State University alumni, have been married for 45 years and have raised four daughters who followed in their footsteps at FVSU. The couple hopes their seven grandchildren will continue the family tradition.

The Lester campaign plans to soon announce a series of public events, including a launch rally and fundraiser, where supporters can meet Dr. Lester and learn more about his vision for Georgia’s 13th Congressional District.

Georgia’s 13th Congressional District encompasses southwest suburbs and exurbs of Atlanta, including portions of Clayton, Cobb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, and Henry counties. The Democratic primary election is expected to take place in May 2026, with the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026.

For more information about Dr. Joe Lester’s campaign for Congress, visit JoeLesterForCongress.com.

About Dr. Joe Lester: Dr. Joe Lester has been serving Georgia communities as a dentist for 38 years. A member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, he is the author of “I am Not Afraid to Dream” and has dedicated his career to providing compassionate care to people from all walks of life. His practice in Conyers continues to serve patients at financial risk, embodying his belief that people must always come first.