3 Fayette cities feature contested council races; African Americans running for mayor in F’ville, Tyrone
Fayette County’s three largest cities will each see at least one contested race in the November election. In addition, black candidates are seeking to become mayor in both Fayetteville and Tyrone.
Either’s success in unseating an incumbent mayor would mark historic firsts, particularly since both cities feature at-large rather than district voting.
After qualifying in Fayetteville for the mayor’s seat, one-term incumbent Greg Clifton will square off against Councilman Ed Johnson.
If Johnson, the pastor of Flat Rock AME Church, wins the race, he would become the first-ever African American mayor of Fayetteville.
The Post 2 council race will be a contest between Councilman Mickey Edwards and retired businesswoman Kathleen Brewer.
The Post 1 seat currently held by Johnson saw only one qualifier in retiree Harlan F. Shirley. Barring a write-in challenge in November, Shirley will be sworn in for a four-year term Jan. 1.
The Post 1 seat in Peachtree City will see a contested race between Planning Commissioner Phil Prebor and homemaker Shayne Robinson. Councilman Eric Imker announced previously that he would not seek re-election to the Post 1 seat.
Peachtree City had incumbent Mike King qualifying for the Post 2 seat on the City Council with no opposition.
Tyrone will have two contested races.
Mayor Eric Dial will be opposed by African American consultant Derrick Jackson while the Post 2 council race will feature incumbent Ryan Housley who will be challenged by Tyrone Planning Commissioner Wil James.
Post 1 incumbent Linda Howard is unopposed.
Last fall’s county district elections saw the first-ever African-American woman, Pota Coston, elected to the Fayette County Commission. Her death this year resulted in a special election next week for the District 5 post that features one black and two white candidates vying for the post in the majority-minority district.
