Dr. Heavenly Kimes, the outspoken dentist and reality TV personality known for her role on Bravo’s “Married to Medicine,” has taken a significant step toward transitioning from the small screen to the halls of Congress.
On March 4, Kimes submitted her qualifying paperwork to run as a Democrat for Georgia’s 13th Congressional District, a move that positions her to challenge longtime incumbent Rep. David Scott in the upcoming May primary.
Dr. Heavenly Kimes Qualifies for Congress
Kimes, 55, who has built a successful dental practice in Atlanta and become a fixture in the city’s social and entrepreneurial scenes, announced her congressional bid earlier this year after initially planning to run for state representative.
Her campaign emphasizes grassroots momentum, drawing on her experiences as a business owner, mother, and community advocate to address key issues affecting families in the district, which spans parts of Atlanta and its southern suburbs.”Initially, I was running for state representative. I’ve been giving back to my community for years and felt that was the next transition,” Kimes said in a recent interview.
“But once I actually announced, everybody said, ‘You can do something bigger for your community.’” She shifted her focus to Congress amid concerns over healthcare policy and a perceived lack of engagement from current leadership.
Kimes’ platform centers on affordable healthcare, economic opportunity, safe communities, and direct constituent engagement.
As detailed on her campaign website, she aims to expand access to healthcare by prioritizing patients over profits, promote community wealth through homeownership and entrepreneurship programs, ensure quality education for all children, support families with safer neighborhoods, and boost the local economy via small businesses and job creation.
Her entry into politics has not been without controversy. Some critics, including those associated with the incumbent, have questioned her use of the “Dr.” title in campaign materials, though Kimes, a licensed dentist with over 25 years of experience serving patients in the district, has dismissed such attacks as distractions.
“Titles matter. Integrity matters more. I worked for mine. Earned it. Built on it,” she stated in a social media post addressing the issue.
Kimes’ fame from “Married to Medicine,” where she has appeared for 12 seasons, has been both an asset and a point of discussion. Supporters argue her visibility and relatability make her a strong voice for the district, while detractors question whether her on-screen persona aligns with the seriousness of congressional duties.
Kimes counters that her real-life experiences as a healthcare provider and entrepreneur equip her to fight for lower prescription drug prices, protections for pre-existing conditions, and broader economic stability.
The Democratic primary is set for May 19, 2026, with voter registration closing on April 20. Early voting runs from April 27 to May 15, and absentee ballots will be available starting April 20.
If no candidate secures a majority, a runoff will occur on June 16.As Kimes ramps up her campaign, she continues to balance her political ambitions with her ongoing role on the Bravo series, proving that her drive extends beyond entertainment. “This is real, I’m very serious,” she affirmed recently.
For Atlanta residents in the 13th District, her bid represents a fresh perspective in a race that could reshape local representation in Washington.For more information on Kimes’ campaign, visit drheavenlyforgeorgia.com.