Brenda Lopez RomeroCandidate

Brenda Lopez Romero

State HouseDemocrat

GA-HD-98 State House

Mexican·Former Georgia State Representative (District 99, 2017-2021)

Why This Race Matters

Brenda Lopez Romero is running against Marvin Lim (D, incumbent).

Lopez Romero is challenging Marvin Lim, Georgia's first Filipino-American state representative, in the Democratic primary for HD-98. As the first Latina elected to the Georgia General Assembly, her return bid represents a historic contest between two barrier-breaking immigrant legislators in one of Georgia's most diverse districts.

Lopez Romero announced her campaign in April 2025, positioning her comeback as a response to threats against working Georgians. Lim succeeded Lopez Romero in District 99 when she ran for Congress in 2020, and now represents the redrawn HD-98. She was endorsed by House Minority Leader Bob Trammell, Rep. Pedro Marin, and gubernatorial candidate Jason Esteves.

Key dates to watch: Primary on May 19, 2026 and General Election on November 3, 2026.

About

Brenda Lopez Romero is an immigration attorney and former Georgia State Representative challenging incumbent Marvin Lim in the 2026 Democratic primary for HD-98. Born in Cuernavaca, Mexico, she came to the United States at age five and became a citizen in 2008. In 2016, she made history as the first Latina elected to the Georgia General Assembly, serving District 99 from 2017 to 2021. After her legislative tenure, she served as Chair of the Gwinnett County Democratic Party and as Senior Assistant District Attorney for the Gwinnett Judicial Circuit.

Family & Heritage

Born in Cuernavaca, Mexico, and immigrated to the United States at age five to reunite with her father. Grew up in a low-income household where her parents, who had less than elementary school education, emphasized the importance of education. Had to repeat kindergarten to improve her English. First in her family to graduate from high school and attend college. Became a U.S. citizen in 2008.

Political Career

Before Politics

Associate attorney at Velasquez & Associates Law Firm; Staff attorney at Catholic Charities Atlanta; Principal attorney at The Lopez Firm (immigration law practice)

Education

B.A. in Political Science and Sociology from Georgia State University (2005); J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law (2011)

Key Issues & Priorities

*Public education defense
*Rising cost of living
*Immigration reform
*Protecting working families
*Civil rights and voting rights

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