Dr. Heavenly Kimes, a decorated dentist-turned-political prospect, is using her pearly whites to articulate her vows to make imperative changes as the candidate for state representative in Georgia.
The cosmetic dental practitioner, “Married to Medicine” star, entrepreneur, author, inspirational speaker, wife, and mother spoke to her potential constituents about healthcare access, economic growth, education reform, and police accountability to the electorate of Georgia House District 93. The district primarily covers areas of DeKalb County, including Lithonia, Stone Mountain, and parts of Decatur and Stonecrest.
Dr. Heavenly launched her campaign under the gold dome
The 54-year-old Kimes, who is known nationally as “Dr. Heavenly,” launched her campaign trail on Tuesday with a community rally under the gold dome of the Georgia State Capitol in downtown Atlanta. The famously outspoken Kimes said she is not a politician, but a person who knows how to run a successful business and household and has a well-earned reputation for getting a lot of things done while making no excuses.
“This isn’t about politics. It’s about people. It’s about purpose,” Kimes. “I’ve seen firsthand how our communities are being left behind — in healthcare, education, entrepreneurship, and justice. I’m stepping up to make sure our voices are not only heard, but respected under the Gold Dome.”
District 93 is currently held by incumbent Democrat Doreen Green, who’s been in office since 2015.
Dr. Heavenly outlines her qualifications
Kimes enumerated her qualifications for a political position, emphasizing her 25-year commitment to her community. She highlighted key issues: healthcare, particularly for the elderly and Medicaid, education with low test scores, police reform, and economic development.
Kimes said the timing is right to run for state office.
Dr. Heavenly answers the question, ‘Why now?’
“Why now? Because I was asked to by my constituents, and by a lot of people. I’ve been doing a lot of work in the community, and I was asked, and I feel like I’m the best,” Kimes declared. “I can bring resources to the community. I can actually be a voice that the people are not being heard.”
Kimes criticized her opponent for a lack of legislative achievements and stressed her own community work, including advocacy for rural hospitals. She plans to open a Medicaid office to increase doctor participation. Kimes was motivated by community requests and believes her extensive local involvement qualifies her for the role, despite the Democratic minority status in Georgia.
Dr. Heavenly met with her prospective opponent
Kimes said she has met with Green, her potential opponent, and said their talk was cordial and amicable. However, Kimes said Green’s resume is conspicuously devoid of accomplishments, and she lacks accountability to her electorate.
“She’s a very nice lady,” Kimes said. “However, she’s not the lady for the job. I mean, she has not passed one bill in our community alone … I haven’t seen anything she’s done. I I have been in a community over 25 years. I have never heard of her, and I’m very active in the community, so I think I’m the right person to bring the resources back to our community.”
Kimes bills herself as a woman of the people. She is an HBCU alum with a dental degree from Meharry Medical College, runs a successful practice, volunteers frequently, is a well-known philanthropist, and is a published author who regularly speaks on entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment.
Dr. Heavenly wants to open a Medicaid office amid federal cutbacks
“I think they need people like me, people that are actually providers that can give back and volunteer,” Kimes said.
“I mean, I want to open a Medicaid office in our community in order to we can get our doctors back to volunteer, because I think a lot of doctors want to see it, but it’s not possible right now, but if you get them together and we give a give back, to help them get through it.”
