The first posted results in Fulton County’s primary election showed incumbent Sheriff Patrick Labat starting with a commanding lead over his three Democratic opponents: Kirt Beasley, James “J.T.” Brown and Joyce Farmer. Out of the first 29,460 votes counted, Labat had 17,042 — more than the other three put together. His closest rival was Farmer with 6,082.

Those results came less than 30 minutes after polls closed.

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Sen. Jason Esteves (D-Atlanta) shown in the Senate chambers on day 18 of the Georgia Legislative session on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Credit: Natrice Miller/AJC

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University of Georgia students are seen entering and leaving the main Library on the Athens campus on Monday, Sept. 8, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez