Georgia Republicans move to redraw political map of metro Atlanta
A shift to nonpartisan races for deep-blue county offices could reshape local power — and complicate Democrats’ grip on key posts
Dekalb County District attorney Sherry Boston says a bill to make her office nonpartisan is unconstitutional. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)
Georgia Republicans swiftly approved a sweeping elections overhaul Friday that would make most local races in five core metro Atlanta counties nonpartisan — a dramatic shift that could complicate Democratic efforts to hold onto power in the state’s most populous and most liberal region.
The measure, which cleared the House 93-64 over fierce Democratic opposition, would apply to district attorneys, county commissioners and tax commissioners in Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett counties starting in 2028. It is now headed to Republican Gov. Brian Kemp’s desk after earlier passing the Senate.
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Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. (Brynn Anderson/AP)
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Greg Bluestein is the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s chief political reporter. He is also an author, TV analyst and co-host of the Politically Georgia podcast.
Riley Bunch is a reporter on the local government team at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution covering Atlanta City Hall. She covers the mayor and Atlanta City Council while also keeping an eye on the city’s diverse neighborhoods.
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