Five candidates will compete to replace former DeKalb County Commissioner Elaine Boyer, who recently resigned and pleaded guilty to fraud charges.

Qualifying for the race ended Wednesday, setting up a two-month campaign before the Nov. 4 election. The winner of the race will represent about 140,000 people in north DeKalb, including the cities of Brookhaven, Doraville, Dunwoody and Chamblee.

The candidates are Wendy Butler, a land use attorney; Larry Danese, a retired electrical and nuclear engineer; Nancy Jester, an actuarial consultant; Tom Owens, a Vietnam veteran; and Holmes Pyles, a retired state government employee. All candidates are Republicans except for Pyles, who is independent.

They said they’ll clean up a county government plagued by accusations that commissioners have spent taxpayer money for personal items. Boyer admitted to misusing her government purchasing card and to funnelling government money to herself in a scheme worth more than $90,000.

If necessary, a runoff would be held Dec. 2.

About the Author

Keep Reading

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, had a key swing vote on the budget reconciliation package passed by the U.S. Senate this week. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

Credit: J. Scott Applewhite/AP

Featured

The city of Brookhaven's mayor and City Council last week decided to remove the colored panes of glass from the dome of Brookhaven's new City Centre after residents objected to the brightness of the colors, seen here Friday, June 27, 2025. (Reed Williams/AJC)

Credit: Reed Williams/AJC