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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Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia Executive Director Peter J. Skandalakis speaks during a press conference Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022. He appointed himself to take over the  election interference case after he couldn’t find another district attorney willing to do so. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

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Lt. Gov. Burt Jones — pictured at an August rally in Peachtree City that also featured Vice President JD Vance — appears to have scored another legal victory over gubernatorial rival Attorney General Chris Carr in their battle over campaign finance issues. (Arvin Temkar/AJC 2025)

Credit: Arvin Temkar / AJC