The most competitive DeKalb race is between eight candidates trying to fill a critical Board of Commissioners position that represent half the county.

The candidates are focusing on cleaning up corruption, improving police services, promoting businesses and removing blight.

The winner of the Nov. 8 special election will represent about 350,000 residents from Doraville to Lithonia. The vacancy was created when former Commissioner Stan Watson resigned in March to make an unsuccessful run for tax commissioner.

The candidates are Greg Adams, Diane Adoma, George Chidi, Faye Coffield, Randal Mangham, Ed Patton, Rita Robinzine and John Tolbert. If necessary, a runoff will be held Dec. 6.

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(From left) State Election Board member Rick Jeffares, executive director James Mills, vice chair Janice Johnston and member Janelle King listen during an election board meeting at the Capitol in Atlanta on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025.

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

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Democrat Eric Gisler celebrated his Tuesday election victory at the Trappeze Pub in Athens, Ga. (AP)

Credit: AP