DeKalb commissioner wins runoff to become county’s first Black woman CEO

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — DeKalb County voters have elected a new chief executive officer. She is the first Black woman in the county’s history to hold the title.

DeKalb County Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson received 60% of the vote over Commissioner Larry Johnson in Tuesday’s runoff, according to the preliminary election results.

Cochran-Johnson declared victory at an election party on Tuesday night. Once the results are certified, she will succeed outgoing CEO Mike Thurmond.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Cochran-Johnson was first elected to the county in 2018 when she won the District 7 seat that covers east DeKalb.

The commissioner’s bio states that she “strongly supports positive initiatives in economic development, education, public safety and home ownership.”

As part of her focus on public safety, Cochran-Johnson spearheaded legislation for all 248 gas stations in unincorporated DeKalb County to have upgraded 24-hour surveillance cameras.

Cochran-Johnson will be sworn-in later this year.

TRENDING STORIES:

• 2024 Georgia primary election runoff results
• Levon Allen projected winner in Clayton County sheriff runoff
• Ivory projected winner for Fulton County Commission, ousting Hall from District 4 seat

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

IN OTHER NEWS:

Marietta City Schools votes to limit cell phones used by students at school

©2024 Cox Media Group