Joe Lester

Joe Lester was born in Hawkinsville, Georgia. He earned a high school diploma from Hawkinsville High School, a bachelor's degree from Fort Valley State College in 1981, and a degree from the from the Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry in 1984. His career experience includes working as a dentist. As of 2025, Lester was affiliated with the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born and raised on a sharecropper’s farm in Blue Springs, just outside of Hawkinsville, Georgia, where much of my family still lives. My roots run deep in Georgia soil. I grew up in a time when inequality was still widespread, and I witnessed firsthand how unjust our system could be—and how necessary it is to fight for change.

I am a proud graduate of Fort Valley State University, home of the mighty Wildcats. My wife, Kimberly, and I have been married for 45 years. We are both FVSU alumni, as are all four of our daughters. We hope our seven grandchildren will continue the tradition. In 1984, I earned my dental degree from Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry, launching a journey of service that has now spanned four decades.

In 1990, I became the first African American dentist to establish a practice in Conyers, Georgia, where I have lived and worked for more than 33 years. I have served people from all walks of life with dignity and compassion, and I believe leadership means stepping up when it matters most.

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. I’m running to protect the hard-won gains of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. I’m running to resist attacks on voting rights and to stand up for truth, equity, and inclusion.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

The United States faces a critical internal crisis threatening the foundation of our democracy. This isn’t a war with weapons, but a battle against those in power who undermine the Constitution through manipulation and disregard for democratic principles. The balance of power is being eroded, and minority rights ignored. Our freedoms are at risk—not from foreign enemies, but from within. We must speak out, hold leaders accountable, and defend the rule of law. Democracy survives only when the people actively protect it. Now is the time to rise, not with anger, but with conviction, unity, and unwavering civic responsibility.The Social Security Act, signed by FDR in 1935, was created to support Americans facing hardship and has helped millions. Now, it is under threat from an administration that favors the wealthy over the poor, undermining fairness and democracy.

We must stand against those who abandon the vulnerable. I am ready, guided by God, to lead the fight for justice and equality.

Medicare and Medicaid are also at risk. These programs provide essential health care for the elderly and low-income Americans. Protecting them is urgent. As Reverend Jesse Jackson said, “keep hope alive.” Together, we will fight to keep our people healthy and safe.I believe there should be a legal pathway for people to enter this country, and that immigration laws must be enforced fairly and equally—not weaponized against the vulnerable while allowing exceptions for the wealthy.

We are a country of immigrants, and we should be proud of that heritage. We are strong because of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Unfortunately, Democrats are allowing Republicans to wage war on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and immigration, even though we know these values are right. Corporate leaders often back off from standing up against these attacks instead of pushing back, despite knowing it is the morally right thing to do.

We also know immigration drives our economy, and there is great

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

"Protecting the Department of Education, reforming immigration, saving Social Security, and defending our democracy are the critical battles we face today. We must defend these institutions to ensure fair policies, equal opportunities, and a government that truly serves the people."

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I AM NOT AFRAID TO DREAM

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Our leaders should be people of good character and wisdom who make thoughtful decisions that serve the best interests of the people.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I believe our leaders should be good people who genuinely care about others. I’ve spent most of my adult life doing just that—caring for people as a dentist.

For 11 years, I served as a prison dentist within the Department of Corrections. After that, I spent nearly 20 years working for the Department of Juvenile Justice, delivering hope and health to young minds who had been disregarded and too often forgotten.

I attended college on a National Health Corps scholarship, and after graduating from dental school, I honored that commitment by serving in an underserved area—caring for some of the most vulnerable people in our community.

After completing my service, I opened a dental practice, where I continue to provide care to those at financial risk. My career has always been rooted in one core belief: people come first—and that’s exactly how I would lead.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want my legacy to be that I spent a lifetime serving and investing in people—many of whom I barely knew—simply because it was the right thing to do.

I don’t want to be remembered for how much money I made or the possessions I acquired, but by the number of people I was able to help. My goal is to leave the community better than I found it.

I’m not someone who stands around talking about what happened—I’m someone who makes things happen, for the betterment of others and the good of humanity.

I am truly a person who is not afraid to dream—and not afraid to take on new challenges.

I believe in the old saying: a person’s reach should exceed their grasp. As you climb the ladder, always remember to be kind to those seemingly caught in a struggle, because life is always challenging regardless of your season. Never take advantage of others or misuse your authority. True leadership means lifting others as you rise—and leading with humility, not pride.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job growing up on a farm was more of a chore than a typical job. I was slopping livestock and learned to drive a tractor by the age of nine or ten. While most children woke up early to get dressed for school, we woke around six every morning to get ready for a day of hard labor in the fields. There were ten of us children in the family.

My first paid job was working as a salesman and cleanup person at a local department store, where I earned about $1.10 an hour. Later, in college, I worked as a dishwasher and then as a cook at a Shoney’s restaurant, making around $1.20 an hour. I can’t remember exactly, but back then, that was serious money.

What is your favorite book? Why?

My favorite book is I Am Not Afraid to Dream—not only because I wrote it, but because it teaches an important lesson about struggle and overcoming difficult obstacles.

It is a chronicle of my family's life growing up in the South, holding firm to the belief that we could beat the odds through prayer, faith, and hard work. It’s a testament to resilience, hope, and the unshakable conviction that no challenge is greater than the human spirit guided by purpose.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born and rasised on a sharecroper’s farm near Hawkinsville, Georgia, where much of my family still resides. My roots are planted deep in Georgia soil. I am a graduate of Fort Valley State University home of the Wildcats. My wife Kimberly of 42 years, is also a graduate, as well as all four of our daughters. We are hopeful that some of our seven grandchildren will carry on the tradition.

Also I am a graduate of Meharry Medical College-School Of Dentistry, which has allowed me to serve the public for the last 38 years. I have enjoyed every minute serving people from all walks of life.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Education ReformEconomic EmpowermentMedicaid Expansion

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Criminal justice reform and economic empowerment.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I am Not afraid to Dream, I am the author of this book.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes.