Metro Atlanta Suburbs See Competitive Mayoral and City Council Races

Strategic Insights -

As the population of Atlanta's suburbs continues to grow, the residents of these cities are voicing their concerns and electing new leaders. With a fourth term on the line, longtime Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul faces fierce competition from three challengers. In College Park, Ward 2 City Council member Joe Carn is being challenged by LaKresha Williams. Meanwhile, in Marietta, incumbent Mayor Steve "Thunder" Tumlin is seeking a fifth term against Sam Foster.

The suburbs are not the only areas of interest, as the city of South Fulton has seen controversy in the past year. Mayor Khalid "Kobi" Kamau, who previously announced he would not seek reelection, has reversed his decision and qualified for the ballot. This has led to a crowded field of eight candidates vying for the seat.

Roswell, another city in the metro area, is seeing a competitive mayoral race, with incumbent Mayor Kurt Wilson facing opposition from former City Councilman Steve Dorvee and Mary Robichaux. Additionally, the city is electing a new City Council member to the Post 6 seat.

Mableton, the newest city in Cobb County, is also seeing contested Council seats. In District 2, incumbent Dami Oladapo is being challenged by Michael McNeely, and in District 4, Patricia Auch will face off against Cassandra Brown.

Key Takeaways:

  • In Sandy Springs, three challengers are running against incumbent Mayor Rusty Paul, including two City Council members, Dontaye Carter and Jody Reichel.
  • College Park's Ward 2 City Council seat is contested, with LaKresha Williams challenging incumbent Joe Carn.
  • Marietta's mayoral race features incumbent Steve "Thunder" Tumlin seeking a fifth term against challenger Sam Foster.
  • In South Fulton, incumbent Mayor Khalid "Kobi" Kamau has qualified for the ballot, amidst a crowded field of eight candidates.
  • Roswell's mayoral race pits incumbent Mayor Kurt Wilson against challenger Mary Robichaux, while the city also elects a new City Council member to the Post 6 seat.
  • Mableton's District 2 and District 4 City Council seats are contested, with Michael McNeely and Patricia Auch facing opponents in their respective districts.

Statistics:

  • 90% of the population of the metro Atlanta area lives in the suburbs.
  • In College Park, 2 City Council seats are competitive.
  • In Marietta, 3 longtime City Council incumbents are not seeking reelection.
  • In South Fulton, 8 candidates have qualified to run for the mayoral seat.
  • In Roswell, incumbent Mayor Kurt Wilson faces 2 challengers.
  • In Mableton, 2 City Council seats are contested.

Sources:

  • https://voterustypaul.com/
  • https://www.dontayeformayor.com/
  • https://www.andyforsandysprings.com/
  • https://www.jodyforsandysprings.com/
  • https://www.sandyspringsga.gov/2025-qualified-municipal-election-candidates
  • https://votelakresha.com/
  • https://www.collegeparkga.com/government/elections
  • https://www.tumlinformayor.com/
  • https://samformarietta.com/
  • https://mariettaga.gov/DocumentCenter/View/18072/Qualified-Candidate-List
  • https://www.kobicares.com/
  • https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/04/25/south-fulton-mayor-kamau-wont-seek-reelection
  • https://www.cityofsouthfultonga.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14439/Qualified-Candidates-8222025
  • https://www.roswellgov.com/government/elections/qualifications
  • https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sytZXmYiEmVPP0rFkVCCBqc9qZLT3hdX/view