Dr. Heavenly Kimes, the prominent cosmetic dentist and star of Bravo’s Married to Medicine, has officially concluded her bid for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Following the Democratic primary election for Georgia’s 13th Congressional District, Kimes announced on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, that she would be stepping back from the race after finishing in second place.
The campaign, which saw Kimes transition from her initial plans to run for a Georgia state representative seat to a federal congressional bid, concluded after a competitive primary field. Kimes faced five other Democratic candidates, ultimately losing to Rep. Jasmine Clark. According to reporting from NBC News, Rep. Clark secured more than 50 percent of the vote, effectively winning the primary outright and moving forward to the general election.
Reflecting on the Campaign Trail
Following the release of the election results, Kimes took to social media to share a message of gratitude and reflection with her supporters. In a video posted to Instagram, the reality television star addressed the outcome with a focus on the progress she believes her campaign achieved. “This is not over — we’re going to come back. I’ve already called Jasmine Clark and congratulated the queen,” Kimes said in the video. “I’m sure she’ll do an amazing job. I’m so proud of her, but I’m also proud of you. We did something different; we made history.”
Kimes emphasized the grassroots nature of her run, noting that she was proud to have built a movement that resonated with voters. “We came in second place. We beat elected officials. We built a real movement. And most importantly, we showed that everyday people still have a voice,” she added. Throughout her concession, Kimes maintained a tone of resilience, thanking the volunteers, donors, and voters who supported her journey. She also extended her appreciation to her family, specifically her husband, Dr. Damon Kimes, for his support during the demanding campaign season.
The Path Forward for District 13
The vacancy in Georgia’s 13th Congressional District followed the death of longtime Congressman David Scott, who had served the district since 2003. Scott passed away on April 22, 2026, at the age of 80, leaving a significant legacy in the region. Kimes had previously honored the late congressman with a public tribute, describing him as a dedicated advocate for the community.
With the primary now behind them, the focus for District 13 shifts to the general election. Rep. Jasmine Clark is set to face Republican candidate Jonathan James Chavez on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. Chavez secured his spot on the ballot after running unopposed in the Republican primary.
Support from Peers
The announcement of Kimes’ concession drew reactions from across her professional and personal circles, including her Bravo television castmates. Dr. Jackie Walters, a fellow Married to Medicine star, offered public encouragement in the comments of Kimes’ social media post, labeling her a “rockstar” and noting that this experience is “only the beginning” for her political aspirations.
Kimes’ entry into the political arena was marked by her desire to serve as an alternative to traditional career politicians. When she announced her shift to the federal race in March 2026, she framed her platform around her experiences as a mother, business owner, and medical professional. While this specific campaign has ended, Kimes signaled in her remarks that she intends to remain engaged in public service.
Key Details of the 2026 Primary
- Candidate Outcome: Dr. Heavenly Kimes finished in second place in the Democratic primary for Georgia’s 13th Congressional District.
- General Election Date: The general election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
- Primary Winner: Rep. Jasmine Clark secured the Democratic nomination with over 50 percent of the vote, as reported by NBC News.
- District History: The seat became vacant following the passing of Congressman David Scott on April 22, 2026.
As the district prepares for the upcoming general election in November, voters and observers alike will be watching to see how the political landscape evolves following the recent primary results. For those following the election process, official updates and candidate information can typically be found through the Georgia Secretary of State’s office or local county election boards.
