Sanchez is up for re-election in 2026 as the first Democratic Socialist ever elected to the Georgia General Assembly. His 2024 primary victory over a 7-year incumbent sent shockwaves through Georgia politics. He represents a test case for whether progressive Democrats can hold seats in swing-state suburbs. As a Colombian-American, he is also one of very few Latino officials in Cobb County despite Latinos comprising about 14% of the population.
Sanchez won the 2024 Democratic primary 56.8% to 43.2%, a surprisingly large margin. In the general election, he defeated Republican Diane Jackson in the heavily Democratic district where Biden won 70% in 2020. Atlanta DSA has already endorsed his 2026 re-election. During his first session, he earned respect from colleagues including Republicans despite voting against most bills.
Key dates to watch: General Election on November 3, 2026.