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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Fulton DA Fani Willis (center) with Nathan J. Wade (right), the special prosecutor she hired to manage the Trump case and had a romantic relationship with, at a news conference announcing charges against President-elect Donald Trump and others in Atlanta, Aug. 14, 2023. Georgia’s Supreme Court on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, upheld an appeals court's decision to disqualify Willis from the election interference case against Trump and his allies. (Kenny Holston/New York Times)

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com