Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has signed legislation requiring nonpartisan elections for most local offices in the five largest counties in the Atlanta metropolitan area.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston have vowed to challenge the new law in court, calling it unconstitutional.
Fani Willis Threatens Lawsuit Over Georgia Law Mandating Nonpartisan Local Elections in Atlanta-Area Counties
Kemp signed the bill privately on Tuesday, May 13, 2026—the last day he could act on legislation from the 2026 session. The measure affects races in Fulton (which includes most of Atlanta), Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, and Gwinnett counties.
It shifts most local offices to nonpartisan contests starting in 2028, moving them to May ballots alongside judicial elections. Sheriffs would remain partisan.
Under the change, candidates would no longer appear on ballots with party labels (Democrat or Republican). If no candidate receives a majority, a runoff would follow in June. This would generally result in lower-turnout elections compared to November general elections.
Willis and Boston issued a joint statement criticizing the law as “a blatant attempt by Republicans to give their candidates an edge in Democratic counties by hiding their party affiliation from voters.” They argue it violates the Georgia Constitution.
Republicans, including bill sponsor State Sen. John Albers (R-Roswell), have promoted the change as a way to emphasize public safety over partisanship for key local roles. The law targets an area where Democrats have gained significant ground in recent years, flipping traditionally Republican suburban counties like Cobb and Gwinnett. Fulton, DeKalb, and Clayton are longstanding Democratic strongholds.
Critics, including Democrats, contend the measure selectively applies only to the Atlanta region rather than statewide, suggesting it is politically motivated—particularly given that it affects counties led by Democratic district attorneys, several of whom are Black women. Republicans have previously targeted Willis over her prosecution of former President Donald Trump related to the 2020 election.
District attorney associations have noted that DAs may be considered state judicial officers rather than county officials, potentially requiring a constitutional amendment (which needs a two-thirds legislative vote) to change their election status.
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions in Georgia politics over election rules, partisanship in local offices, and control of the fast-growing Atlanta metro area. A legal challenge from Willis and Boston is expected soon.