Politics
Politics

Henry County Commission will be majority-minority in the new year

The Henry County Commission will become a majority-minority body next year, thanks to Tuesday’s election and the south metro community’s changing demographics.
The Henry County Commission will become a majority-minority body next year, thanks to Tuesday’s election and the south metro community’s changing demographics.
By Leon Stafford
Nov 7, 2018

The Henry County Commission will be majority-minority in 2019. 

Democrat Vivian Thomas, an African American candidate, won her District 4 race to replace outgoing Commissioner Blake Prince by defeating Republican challenger Pete Peterson.

Thomas will join three other African Americans on the six-member commission.

The new majority is notable because it reflects the south metro county's demographic shift from about 80 percent white 40 years ago to almost 50 percent minority in 2015, according to Atlanta Regional Commission figures.

Results from Tuesday’s voting also include Republican incumbent Commissioner Gary Barham retaining his seat by defeating Democrat V. Ranae Crutches.

About the Author

Leon Stafford covers south metro government

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