Dekalb Sample Ballot & Voter Guide 2026

Jakequeline "Jake" Walls is a former DeKalb firefighter and EMT with 16 years of service, holding a B.S. in Communication from Indiana State University. She is also an entrepreneur and CEO of ESTA, leading horticultural programs.

Priorities: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT · CODE COMPLIANCE · AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Nicole Massiah is an attorney, real estate broker, and businesswoman, holding degrees including a law degree from John Marshall Law School. As a single mother of three, she brings a unique perspective to her role as the first Black female DeKalb County District 3 Commissioner, elected in December 2024.

Tommy T. Travis, born and raised in Chicago, IL, holds a graduate degree with honors from Kennesaw State University. He is currently the CEO of TTT Advisory Corporation and a board member for the Beulah Enrichment and Resource Center.

Priorities: Enhancing public services for seniors · Promoting transparency in local government · Ensuring accountability from leaders

Andrea Bass Smith is a Republican candidate running for election to the DeKalb County Commission, representing District 3 in Georgia. She is on the ballot for the 2026 election cycle.

Keyanna Jones Moore graduated from Chamblee High School. Her professional background includes work as a community advocate.

Larry Johnson, a Democrat, is running for election to the Georgia State Senate to represent District 10 in 2026. He previously served as a DeKalb County Commissioner for District 3 from 2002 to 2024. Johnson is also a former President of the National Association of Counties (NACo) and has a background in public health.

Priorities: Improving infrastructure and transportation networks, including regional transit and water systems · Promoting economic development, workforce education, and job creation in manufacturing, urban farming, and technology · Fighting for a Georgia Insurance Customers’ Bill of Rights to protect consumers from unfair rate hikes

Melody M. Maddox is the current DeKalb County Sheriff in Georgia, serving since December 2019 as the first woman to hold the office. A lifelong resident of DeKalb County, she has over 28 years of experience in law enforcement, including roles as Chief Deputy at the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, a Master Police Officer, and the first female Chief of Police at Georgia Piedmont Technical College. She holds a bachelor'

Priorities: Improving jail facilities and inmate treatment · Building linkages to reduce recidivism · Fostering community trust and a transparent agency culture

Berryl A. Anderson is a Democratic judge currently serving as Chief Judge of the DeKalb County Magistrate Court in Georgia, a position she has held since 2010. She earned her bachelor's degree from Hampton University and her Juris Doctor from C. Blake McDowell College of Law at Akron University. Her career includes private practice, work with Atlanta Legal Aid, and serving as a staff attorney for a U.S. Representativ

Priorities: Not available · Not available · Not available

Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, a Democrat, is the DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer, having assumed office on January 1, 2025. She previously served as the DeKalb County Commissioner for Super District 7 from 2019 to 2024. With a background in political science, criminal justice, public administration, and mass communications, Cochran-Johnson has experience in print media, management, and grant writing.

Priorities: public safety · economic development · housing

Randal Mangham, a Democrat, is a member of the Georgia State Senate, representing District 55, having assumed office in January 2025. He previously served five terms in the Georgia House of Representatives. Mangham's professional background includes work as a lawyer, city attorney/judge, and president of Metropolitan Management Corporation.

Priorities: Promote Affordable Healthcare for All Citizens · Promote Economic Development and Jobs · Fight for Property Value Protections

Robert Patrick is the Democratic DeKalb County Commissioner for District 1 in Georgia, having taken office in January 2021. A professional city planner, he previously served eight years as a council member for the City of Doraville, including three years as Mayor Pro Tem. He is currently the 2024 BOC Deputy Presiding Officer and focuses on infrastructure, economic development, and improving quality of life for reside

Priorities: Positive Economic Development · Improve Quality of Life · Repair Roads, Increase Sidewalks and Bike Trails

Debra DeBerry is the DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court in Georgia, a position she has held since 2011. A Democrat, she manages an office with 106 employees and an annual budget exceeding $7 million. DeBerry has a background in public service, including roles in environmental compliance and community affairs.

Priorities: Promoting diversity and equal opportunity within her office · Increasing awareness and funding for mental health services · Ensuring efficient and accessible services for county citizens

Stephen "Steve" Bradshaw is a Democrat who served as the DeKalb County District 4 Commissioner from 2017 to 2025, where he was unanimously elected Presiding Officer of the Board of Commissioners in 2020 and 2021. A U.S. Army veteran, he holds a B.A. from Georgia Southern University and an MPA from Georgia State University. Bradshaw ran for DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer in the 2024 Democratic primary.

Priorities: Improve youth engagement through programs and partnerships, fostering community pride and discouraging littering. · Streamline government processes in purchasing, contracting, and permitting for more efficient business and government interactions. · Support local jurisdictions' authority to create custom gun safety laws to address unique public safety needs.

Michelle Long Spears is the founder and CEO of NP Voice, a social impact consulting firm, and previously served on the DeKalb Board of Ethics. She began her social sector career at the YMCA, focusing on community challenges.

Priorities: Bringing people together to build a stronger, better DeKalb for all · Supporting families and children · Protecting ecosystems and wildlife, including animal welfare initiatives

Ben Pepper is a Republican Party candidate running for election to the DeKalb County Commission to represent District 2 in Georgia, with his primary set for May 19, 2026.

Priorities: Independent · People-Powered · Anti-Corruption

Jacqueline Adams is an Atlanta native with a degree in criminal justice. She is a small business owner and previously ran for state representative.

Priorities: Address overcrowding at the county animal shelter and work with local animal welfare agencies. · Increase funding for social services. · Support local entrepreneurs and attract new businesses.

Dr. LaDena Bolton, affectionately known as 'Dr. B', is a wife, mother of three, and an award-winning scientist with a Ph.D. in Chemistry. She is a lifelong DeKalb County resident who brings a blend of analytical rigor and community-centered leadership to her role as Super District 7 Commissioner.

Priorities: Ensuring Safer Neighborhoods · Improving Quality of Life · Improving County Services

Oneka T. Willabus, a resident of Decatur, Georgia, holds a bachelor's degree in kinesiology from Georgia State University and an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University. She is an entrepreneur and has professional experience as chief of staff to a Georgia State Representative and an elections officer.

Priorities: Addressing the relationship between communities and ICE · Mitigating potential threats and costs posed by Data Centers · Tackling environmental justice issues faced by the most vulnerable parts of the county