DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Candidate Lorraine Cochran-Johnson is the projected winner of the DeKalb County CEO Democratic primary runoff race.
Both DeKalb commissioners, Cochran-Johnson and Larry Johnson, went head-to-head Tuesday after neither one of them was able to clear the 50% plus 1 vote threshold to be declared a winner in the May 21 primary election.
Below are the results for Tuesday's runoff race.
In an interview with 11Alive's Cody Alcorn, Cochran-Johnson said the night was overwhelming.
"What we've done is incredible," she said. "But, I want to say I've had five years, three months and 10 days to prove myself. So, the people of DeKalb, they know who I am. They know how hard I work, and they wanted a CEO that reflected their values."
Some of the biggest issues she wants to prioritize are public safety, economic development, infrastructure and housing.
Cochran-Johnson acknowledged her team Tuesday night and addressed the crowd of supporters.
"I look forward to continue being a bridge to what is right, decent and necessary to move DeKalb County forward," she said, directing the comment toward constituents.
After the unofficial results showed all precincts reporting, Johnson thanked his supporters in the room.
"You all are great people. We make the path by walking it together," he said. "We don't stop, we don't quit. We're going to keep moving and keep doing our thing because we love DeKalb County."
"Thank y'all. Love y'all," Johnson added. "Y'all were with me to the end, and y'all never gave up on me. So, I'll never, ever give up on y'all."
The general election is in November. This seat is becoming open for the next term as outgoing DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond retires. He held the position for eight years. Now, restricted by term limits, he only has a few months left on the job. However, Thurmond previously told 11Alive he wouldn’t run again even if he could.
“I feel like there is a time for every season and a season for every time. I’ve loved it. I’ve enjoyed it, but my season is coming to a close, and I just want to be able to look back and say we tried. We succeeded in some, we failed in others, but DeKalb, I believe, is a better place today,” Thurmond said.
There were no Republicans running in the May 21 primary for DeKalb CEO. That essentially makes Cochran-Johnson the presumptive next CEO, even with a November race ahead, since there is no top GOP frontrunner to compete against.