Editor’s Note: Due to COVID-19 concerns, Election Day has been postponed to June 9. Early voting begins May 18.
South Fulton residents will cast their ballots for candidates at the state and county levels on May 19 – and they’ll see a lot of familiar names on the ballot.
Former Municipal Court Judges Make Political Statement
The first two women to be appointed to Chief Municipal Court Judge in South Fulton, Tiffany Carter Sellers and Fani Willis, have both qualified to run for office in May.
Willis is making a play for District Attorney Paul Howard’s seat following allegations of sexual harassment against him. Christian Wise Smith is also a challenger in the race.
Sellers is making a bid for Atlanta Judicial Circuit Superior Court. She’s challenging Rachelle Carnesale, the former Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit judge who was appointed to the seat by Governor Brian Kemp when Judge Gail Tusan retired.
Changing of the Guard on the Fulton County School Board
Longtime school board member Linda Bryant will not seek re-election. Two South Fulton residents will make a run to take her place. Franchesca Warren, veteran educator and founder of South Fulton Parents for Schools, has qualified to run. Attorney and longtime PTA leader Willie Davis has also stepped up. They’ll face Palmetto’s Sandra Wright who is also seeking the seat.
Fulton County Commissioner District 6
On the heels of a special election to fill the seat last year after the death of the late Emma Darnell, District 6 Fulton County Commissioner Joe Carn is back on the ballot. Atlanta’s Khadijah Abdur-Rahman has qualified to run against him again.
Fulton County Sheriff
Fulton County Sheriff Ted Jackson will face four opponents, including Walter Calloway, Myron Freeman, retired chief of Atlanta Corrections Patrick “Pat” Labat and and retired Lt. Sheriff Charles Rambo.
State Legislators
South Fulton’s House Delegation is comprised of officials in Districts 55, 61, 62, 63, 64 and 65.
Rep. Marie Metze (D-55) is challenged by Fred Quinn, Jr., a real estate broker. Rep. Debra Bazemore (D-63) faces both Kenneth “Ken” Kincaid, retired and David Callahan, the Republican part-time driver who previously ran against U.S. Congressman David Scott.
Rep. Sharon Beasley-Teague (D-65) will square off against two South Fulton residents. Community leader and healthcare consultant Mandisha Thomas has put her name in the hat again. Newcomer Amber Doss-Hunter has also entered the race. Reps. Roger Bruce (D-61), William Boddie (D-62) and Derrick Jackson (D-64) will not face opposition this election.
On the Senate side, Districts 35, 38 and 39 all include portions of South Fulton.
Longtime Sen. Donzella James (D-35) will be challenged again by Karen Ashley. Dr. Kelly Johnson, a vocal advocate for sustainability and cannabis legalization, has also entered the race.
Another political veteran, Sen. Horacena Tate will face
three challengers, Tania Robinson, Devin Barrington-Ward and Michael Carson, former
campaign manager for South Fulton City Councilmember Corey Reeves.
Sen. Nikema Williams will be challenged again by Linda Pritchett.
More Legal Eagles on the Ballot
South Fulton resident and attorney Kenya Johnson is running for Fulton County Judge of Probate Court. She’ll face Tim Curtin and Diane Weinberg in the race.
Fulton County Solicitor General and Keith Gammage and Clerk of Superior Court Cathlene “Tina” Robinson are unopposed.
In order to participate in the May 19 election, voters must be registered by April 20. Early voting begins April 27. The runoff, if required, will take place on July 21.
Photos: Tiffany Carter Sellers and Fani Willis
Editor’s Note: Story updated on March 8 at 11:45 a.m.