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.

About the Author

Keep Reading

(L-R) State Election Board member Rick Jeffares, executive director James Mills, vice chair Janice Johnston, and member Janelle King appear during an election board meeting at the Capitol in Atlanta on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. The board will consider voting on a rule that would allow the board to trigger a switch to hand-marked paper ballots. (Arvin Temkar / AJC)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

Featured

Jo'wan Bellamy taught in the GNETS program for 17 years and recently transferred to Atlanta’s new behavioral program at Crawford Long Middle School. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com