Candidate for mayor in Johns Creek withdraws from race

One upcoming election in north Fulton County will feature one less name on its ballot.

In Johns Creek, the path to re-election for incumbent mayor Mike Bodker just got easier.

Tuesday night, just moments before a candidate forum at The Standard Club, Alex Marchetti announced that he is withdrawing from the mayoral race.

Marchetti was the only challenger to Bodker, who has been the city's mayor since 2006. Marchetti told those gathered at the forum that he was dropping due to personal and professional reasons that would prevent him from carrying out the duties of mayor, if elected.

Marchetti ran on the platform of being a businessman and a longtime resident of Johns Creek, having lived in the city for more than 20 years. A slogan on his website indicated his campaign represented "integrity, common sense" and "fiscal responsibility."

In his closing comments near the end of the forum, Bodker addressed the voters about Marchetti and the campaign.

“The last thing I thought I’d be doing tonight is thanking you for four more years. I thought I’d be asking you for your vote,” Bodker said. “…I do hope that whatever is going on with Alex is nothing too bad. We’ve been talking throughout the campaign. Alex and I have known each other for more than 15 years and I certainly want what’s best for him and his family.”

The AJC has reached out to Marchetti’s campaign for comment.

Early voting in Johns Creek — and across all of Fulton County — began Monday. The election is set for Nov. 7.

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