Key races on DeKalb County ballot as candidates jump in

Candidates are filing to run for office this week in DeKalb County before a pivotal May 24 primary election.

The races include DeKalb CEO, district attorney, four county commission seats and several judges.

Qualifying for office began Monday and concludes Friday, setting up a 10-week campaign before the primary election, which will settle races in which candidates from only one political party run for office. The general election will be held Nov. 8.

• For DeKalb CEO, former schools Superintendent Michael Thurmond, former Commissioner Connie Stokes, Decatur businessman Joe Bembry and retired Atlanta businessman Jack Lovelace have said they plan to run. Calvin Sims, a retired MARTA employee, withdrew from the race. Interim DeKalb CEO Lee May has said he's not seeking office this year.
• DeKalb District Attorney Robert James will face Solicitor-General Sherry Boston.
• Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton, who represents east-central DeKalb, will be challenged by Steve Bradshaw, a former Army captain who also ran against Sutton four years ago. Commissioners Nancy Jester, Mereda Davis Johnson and Kathie Gannon are also up for election this year, but opponents haven't yet come forward.