Atlanta voters made their choice clear on Tuesday, handing Mayor Andre Dickens a second term in office, according to projections from the Associated Press.
Dickens secured more than 50% of the vote, allowing him to avoid a runoff and reaffirming his leadership in one of the South’s most influential cities.
The mayor defeated three challengers, former police officer Kalema Jackson, progressive organizer Eddie Meredith, and Republican candidate Helmut “Love” Domagalski, in a race that, while competitive, leaned strongly in Dickens’ favor.
Unlike his first run in 2021, where he entered as an underdog and ultimately won in a runoff, this election saw Dickens positioned with the advantage of incumbency and a record to stand on, including his recent initiative to pause evictions and water shutoffs as SNAP funding lapses.
Atlanta has historically granted its mayors a second term when they choose to seek one. Former Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms was the recent exception, opting not to pursue re-election. For Dickens, the win aligns him with the city’s tradition of continuity.
Throughout his campaign, Dickens highlighted progress in several key areas of his administration: public safety, affordable housing, and infrastructure upgrades. His office has pointed to declining homicide rates, new housing developments, and continued investment in transportation and city services as evidence of forward momentum.
Dickens also outpaced the field in visibility and voter outreach. In the final week leading up to Election Day, he was the only candidate to air television ads, spending roughly $350,000 to reinforce his message and maintain a strong presence.
Now, heading into his second term, Dickens faces the ongoing challenge of guiding a rapidly growing and evolving Atlanta — a city balancing legacy, development, cultural influence, and shifting political expectations.
With the win secured, the mayor’s focus shifts from campaigning back to governing. And Atlanta’s residents will be looking to see how Dickens builds on the foundation he has laid so far.
