A broad transformation of DeKalb County's government is taking place after years of corruption scandals.

Disgruntled voters took to the polls to replace some of their elected leaders, and criminal prosecutions removed others.

By January, DeKalb will have a new CEO, district attorney and Board of Commissioners. Four members of the commission will have been elected in the two years since former Commissioner Elaine Boyer pleaded guilty to defrauding taxpayers of more than $100,000.

The changes continued Tuesday when DeKalb Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton was voted out. Steve Bradshaw, a business development manager who campaigned on honest government, defeated Sutton.

Two more major DeKalb races will be on the ballot in November. Democrat Michael Thurmond and Republican Jack Lovelace are running for county CEO, and eight candidates are competing for a DeKalb Commission seat covering the eastern half of the county.

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Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. (center) is flanked by GOP whip Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo. (left) and Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, as Thune speak to reporters at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Earlier Tuesday, the Senate passed the budget reconciliation package of President Donald Trump's signature bill of big tax breaks and spending cuts. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

Credit: AP