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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Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene leaves her office in the Rayburn House Office Building on Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Over the last week, Greene was largely quiet as she considered her next steps. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

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Tracy Woodard from InTown Cares (left) and Lauren Hopper from Mercy Care organization work with residents at the Copperton Street encampment in August 2024. 
(Miguel Martinez / AJC)

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