Georgia House Approves Bill to Make 5 Metro County Elections Nonpartisan

The measure would impact local races in DeKalb, Fulton, Cobb, Clayton, and Gwinnett counties starting in 2028.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 2:53pm

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A vibrant, abstract painting featuring overlapping, geometric shapes and waves of color in shades of blue, red, and yellow, conceptually representing the political forces and tensions surrounding local elections in metro Atlanta.The contentious debate over partisan versus nonpartisan local elections in Georgia's largest counties reflects the high stakes and competing political interests at play.Atlanta Today

The Georgia House of Representatives has approved a bill, SB 369, that would make district attorney, county commission, and tax commission races in five metro Atlanta counties - DeKalb, Fulton, Cobb, Clayton, and Gwinnett - nonpartisan starting in 2028. The bill, which was originally written to regulate mobile food trucks, was revised by the Senate ethics committee into a 'zombie bill' that replaces the original language. At least one impacted district attorney has spoken out against the measure, calling it a 'blatant attempt to steal power from democratically elected Black leaders in metro Atlanta'.

Why it matters

This bill represents a significant change to the electoral process in Georgia's largest and most diverse counties, which have trended Democratic in recent years. Critics argue the move is a partisan attempt to reduce the influence of Democratic voters and elected officials in these areas.

The details

SB 369 was approved by the Georgia House in a 93-64 vote, with 7 members not voting and 16 excused. The bill was originally written by a former state representative, Dexter Sharper, who has since resigned due to an indictment for fraudulently obtaining pandemic unemployment funds. The Senate ethics committee revised the bill and turned it into a 'zombie bill' that replaces the original language.

  • The bill was approved by the Georgia House on March 30, 2026.
  • The bill would make local elections in the five metro counties nonpartisan starting in 2028.

The players

SB 369

A bill that would make district attorney, county commission, and tax commission races in DeKalb, Fulton, Cobb, Clayton, and Gwinnett counties nonpartisan starting in 2028.

Dexter Sharper

A former state representative who originally authored SB 369, which was intended to provide new regulations on mobile food trucks. Sharper has since resigned due to an indictment for fraudulently obtaining pandemic unemployment funds.

Sherry Boston

The DeKalb County District Attorney, who has spoken out against SB 369, calling it a 'blatant attempt to steal power from democratically elected Black leaders in metro Atlanta'.

Fani Willis

The Fulton County District Attorney, whose reelection bid would be impacted by SB 369.

Brian Kemp

The Governor of Georgia, who will decide whether to sign or veto SB 369.

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What they’re saying

“I am appalled that Republicans in the state legislature want to hide information from Georgia voters in local elections because they no longer control offices in the state's largest counties. This bill is a blatant attempt to steal power from democratically elected Black leaders in metro Atlanta.”

— Sherry Boston, DeKalb County District Attorney

“I urge Gov. Brian Kemp to veto this unconstitutional legislation. Otherwise, my colleagues and I are prepared to file a legal challenge.”

— Sherry Boston, DeKalb County District Attorney

What’s next

The bill now heads to Governor Brian Kemp, who will decide whether to sign or veto it. If signed into law, the measure would take effect for local elections in the five metro counties starting in 2028.

The takeaway

This bill represents a partisan attempt to reshape the electoral landscape in Georgia's largest and most diverse counties, which have trended Democratic in recent years. Critics argue it is an effort to diminish the influence of Democratic voters and elected officials in these areas, raising concerns about the integrity of local elections.