No decision in South Fulton mayoral race, runoff set for Dec. 2

SOUTH FULTON, Ga. — Voters in the city of South Fulton will have to head back to the polls to decide who will be their next mayor.

No candidate secured more than 50% + 1 vote.

Channel 2’s Ashli Lincoln was at Councilwoman Carmalitha Gumbs’ watch party on Tuesday, where she led throughout the evening, but didn’t cross the 51% threshold.

The latest data showed Gumbs with 39% of the vote. Newcomer Dr. Mark Baker earned 19%, and former South Fulton Mayor William “Bill” Edwards received 16%.

Only the two top candidates advance to the runoff.

There were nine candidates on the ballot for this race.

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Several voters told Lincoln they wanted change after incumbent Mayor Khalid Kamau faced backlash for unauthorized spending of taxpayer dollars.

Gumbs said she’s focused on what’s next - the runoff election.

“That’s something I want to do as mayor — restore trust in City Hall. Residents want to feel comfort and confidence in their local government, and that’s why I’m doing this," Gumbs said.

Kamau received less than 5% of the vote. Lincoln contacted him for comment, but did not receive a response.

The runoff election is set for Dec. 2.

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