Aug 25, 2025 - Politics
Here are key municipal elections to watch around metro Atlanta
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Illustration: Lindsey Bailey/Axios
A full slate of candidates are running for mayor and City Council in cities around metro Atlanta.
Why it matters: While Atlanta dominates the metro area, the suburbs make up 90% percent of its population.
- These cities have similar — and also very different — issues that are on the minds of their voters.
Here are some key races to watch around the metro area:
Sandy Springs
- Longtime mayor Rusty Paul is facing three challengers in his race for a fourth term, including two City Council members.
- Dontaye Carter, who owns a public relations firm, is taking on Paul for a second time. Council members Andy Bauman and Jody Reichel are also running for the top spot.
- Each City Council seat is also competitive this year.
- Read the list of qualified candidates.
College Park
- Ward 2 City Council member Joe Carn is facing a challenge from LaKresha Williams.
- Steven R. Alexander is running against Council member Roderick Gay for the Ward 4 seat.
- Read the list of qualified candidates
Marietta
- Steve "Thunder" Tumlin is facing challenger Sam Foster in his quest for a fifth term.
- Three longtime City Council incumbents — Johnny Walker, Grif Chalfant and Andy Morris — are not seeking reelection and each of their seats have multiple candidates.
- Incumbents Cheryl Richardson and Carlyle Kent also face challengers.
- Read the list of qualified candidates
South Fulton
- Mayor Khalid "Kobi" Kamau, who announced in April that he would not seek reelection after a term marked by controversy, reversed his decision and qualified to appear on the ballot.
- Eight other candidates have lined up to run for what many thought was an open seat until Kamau jumped into the race.
- Three City Council districts are also up for election.
- Read the list of qualified candidates.
Roswell
- Incumbent Mayor Kurt Wilson faces two challengers: former City Councilman Steve Dorvee and Mary Robichaux.
- City Council members William Morthland and David Johnson also have opposition.
- Nicholas Porche and Christopher Zack qualifed to run for the open Post 6 seat.
- See all qualified candidates.
Mableton
In Cobb County's newest city, two Council seats are contested:
- District 2: Michael McNeely qualified to take on incumbent Dami Oladapo.
- District 4: Incumbent Patricia Auch will have opposition from Cassandra Brown.
- Check out the list.