Teen approved to run for council seat in new DeKalb city

A teenager has been approved to run for a city council seat of Stonecrest, a recently incorporated city in DeKalb County.

Mary-Pat Hector, 19, was previously told that her age may be an obstacle despite the city charter’s lack of an age requirement.

But Hector released a statement Thursday saying she’s honored and thrilled to have been approved to run.

“Justice was served, and the law prevailed,” Hector said. “The board's decision is a testament to the inclusion of the next generation's participation in the democratic process.”

She is the youngest woman to ever have been eligible to run for elected office in Georgia.

“I look forward to continuing my campaign and serving as the first council member for the fourth district of the city of Stonecrest,” Hector said.

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Ellen Eldridge

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