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Kemp Signs Law Making Many Metro Atlanta Local Races Nonpartisan in 2028

Prosecutors in Fulton and DeKalb plan to sue, arguing the law targets five Democratic-leaning counties.

Overview

  • Gov. Brian Kemp signed the measure Tuesday, and it takes effect Jan. 1, 2028, so the 2026 elections do not change.
  • The law removes party labels for county commissions, tax commissioners, clerks, and solicitors in Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Cobb, and Clayton, while sheriffs keep partisan elections.
  • It shifts most local contests to May with possible June runoffs, and district attorneys will appear on November ballots without party nomination or a primary.
  • Fulton County DA Fani Willis and DeKalb County DA Sherry Boston say they will sue, calling the law unconstitutional and designed to advantage Republicans in Democratic counties.
  • Lawmakers inserted the changes in the session’s final days by replacing a food-truck bill, and the statute only applies to counties that replaced coroners with medical examiners.