FAIRBURN, Ga. — The City of Fairburn announced Friday that Councilmember Samantha Hudson was removed from elected office.
The removal follows an impeachment process reported on by Channel 2 consumer investigator Justin Gray, after claims of misconduct were levied against Hudson.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
“The impeachment stemmed from Ms. Hudson’s unauthorized distribution of confidential information obtained in her official capacity,” the City Council said in a statement. “Both the Mayor and City Attorney had explicitly instructed all council members in writing that personnel matters must be discussed only in closed executive sessions.”
Hudson disputes this claim, telling Channel 2 Action News that the letter was in an email and evidence from the hearing “debunks this.” She said it was never an agenda item and that no violation occurred.
TRENDING STORIES:
- 500 pounds of marijuana, 9 guns seized in series of metro Atlanta drug busts
- WIC funding for Georgians could run out mid-November if shutdown continues
- Multiple Georgia students hospitalized after ingesting Kratom
By releasing the confidential materials from the meeting, the city council said Hudson had violated provisions of the city’s charter and code of ordinances, specifically the ethics policy.
The Fairburn Ethics Board voted unanimously that Hudson had violated the policies, and a vote passed 5 to 1 recommending impeachment.
On Friday, the city announced Hudson’s removal, which was approved in a unanimous vote.
“Following careful deliberation and adherence to due process, the City Council, serving as the Impeachment Council, voted unanimously to uphold the Ethics Board’s findings and remove Councilmember Samantha Hudson from office in accordance with the City Charter, Georgia law, and the City’s Ethics Policy,” according to a city spokeswoman.
The city also said they recognize “this has been a difficult chapter for our community.” Officials promised that the city government remains committed to transparency, stability and ethical governance.
A process to fill the now-vacant seat on the council will begin, in accordance with state law.
Hudson told Channel 2 Action News that until a judge signs off on the removal, she believes she is still an elected member of the city council.
An attorney for Hudson said the investigation violated the city’s own policies.
Hudson also called the impeachment process an example of executive overreach by Mayor Mario Avery. She added that she has already been locked out of her city accounts and ordered to return her equipment on Monday.
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
©2025 Cox Media Group
