As the leaves turn in DeKalb County, the political landscape is poised for transformation as well, with municipal elections set for November 7, 2023. Voters across the county will cast their ballots in a series of local races that could redefine city leadership for the next several years.
With positions ranging from mayoral to city council and board of education seats up for grabs, the stakes are high. While these not be the most highly publicized elections, municipal elections are the ones that most impact your day to day life.
This year’s ballot features a dynamic mix of incumbents seeking re-election and new challengers aiming to bring fresh perspectives to their respective offices. In the run-up to Election Day, we break down the races city by city.
City of Atlanta
Atlanta’s education system takes center stage as Board of Education seats are contested. Incumbents and challengers alike are preparing for a robust debate on the future of local schools.
- Board of Education Member District 1:
- Incumbent: Katie P. Howard
- Board of Education Member District 3:
- Incumbent: Michelle Olympiadis
- Challenger: Ken Zeff
- Board of Education Member District 7 At Large:
- Incumbent: Tamara Jones
- Challengers: Alfred “Shivy” Brooks, William Sardin
- Board of Education Member District 9 At Large:
- Incumbent: Jessica Johnson
- Challenger: Nkoyo Effiong Lewis
City of Avondale Estates
Avondale Estates will decide on its leadership continuity, with the mayoral and commissioner seats up for election, as the city confronts growth and community development issues.
- Mayor:
- Incumbent: Jonathan Elmore
- City Commissioner:
- Candidates: Graham Reiney, Michael Smith
City of Brookhaven
Brookhaven’s mayoral race is heating up as the city will elect a new mayor this year.
- Mayor:
- Candidates: Mark Douglas Frost, Hilerie Lind, Lauren Kiefer, H.J. “John” Park
Brookhaven’s City Council sees an incumbent challenged in District 1, while a special election adds competitive flair to District 2.
- City Council District 1:
- Incumbent: Linley Jones
- Challengers: Alan Cole, Michael Diaz
- City Council District 3:
- Incumbent: Madeleine N. Simmons
- Special Election City Council District 2:
- Candidates: Jen Owens, Blake Beyer
City of Chamblee
Chamblee’s Council races see a challenge to an incumbent in District 2 and the reelection of the incumbent in District 3.
- Council Member District 2:
- Incumbent: Leslie C. Robson
- Challenger: Michael Braun
- Council Member District 3:
- Incumbent: Paul Stovall
City of Clarkston
Clarkston City Council contenders are set to address the city’s strategic vision and responsive governance.
- City Council:
- Candidates: Krista Durant, Awet “Howard” Eyasu (Incumbent), Laura C. Hopkins (Incumbent), Debra D. Johnson (Incumbent), Charles B. Jenkins, Dean Sumner Moore, Mark W. Perkins
City of Decatur
Decatur’s Commission and Board of Education elections will play a pivotal role in directing the city’s policies on development, infrastructure, and education.
- City Commissioner At Large:
- Incumbent: Anthony “Tony” Powers
- City Commissioner District 1, Post B:
- Incumbent: George Dusenbury
- City Commissioner District 2, Post B:
- Incumbent: Lesa Mayer
- City Board of Education District 1 Post B:
- Incumbent: James H. Herndon
- City Board of Education District 2, Post B:
- Candidates: Tracey Anderson, India Phipps Epps
City of Doraville
In Doraville, the mayoral and council races are critical, as the city weighs its future with comprehensive plans that address a rapidly evolving demographic and economic landscape.
- Mayor:
- Incumbent: Joseph Geierman
- Challenger: Tom Hart
- City Council District 1 Post 2:
- Incumbent: Andy Yeoman
- City Council District 2 Post 2:
- Candidates: Carrie Armistead, Ben Crawford, MD Naser
- City Council District 1 Post 3:
- Incumbent: Warren Simmons
City of Dunwoody
Dunwoody’s mayoral and city council elections come at a time when the city is facing decisions on community development, zoning, and traffic management. The mayor is running unopposed.
- Mayor:
- Incumbent: Lynn Deutsch
- City Council District 1 Post 4 At Large:
- Incumbent: Stacey Harris
- Challenger: Chris Ozor
- City Council District 2 Post 5 At Large:
- Incumbent: Joe Seconder
- Challenger: Marianella Lopez
- City Council District 3 Post 6 At Large:
- Incumbent: John Heneghan
City of Lithonia
Lithonia will see elections for mayor and city council as it navigates challenges and opportunities related to economic development and cultural heritage.
- Mayor:
- Incumbent: Shameka S. Reynolds
- City Council:
- Candidates: William “Ric” Dodd, Darold P. Honore, Jr. (Incumbent)
City of Stone Mountain
Stone Mountain’s council election is set against the backdrop of historical preservation, tourism, and local economic growth.
- City Council Member Post 1:
- Candidates: Anita Bass, Gina Stroud Cox (Incumbent), Beverly Howard-Patterson, Mike Schaaphok
- City Council Member Post 2:
- Incumbent: Clint Monroe
- Challengers: Mark Marianos, Hannah Pizano
- City Council Member Post 3:
- Candidates: Grace Kelly, Richard Mailman, India Pullin, Ryan M. Smith
City of Tucker
Tucker’s City Council races reflect the city’s focus on community engagement, economic development, and infrastructure planning.
- City Council Member District 1 Post 2:
- Incumbent: Virginia Rece
- Challenger: Karen Berry
- City Council Member District 2 Post 2:
- Candidates: Patrice Cosby, Vinh Nguyen, Derik N. West
- City Council Member District 3 Post 2:
- Candidates: Simone Pacely, Amy O. Trocchi
Thom Chandler
Thom Chandler is the editor of The Georgia Sun and has been writing, editing and managing websites and blogs since 1995. He is a lifelong Georgian and one of those increasingly rare Atlanta natives.
