(NewsNation) — Atlanta voters headed to the polls Tuesday to choose their next mayor, with incumbent Andre Dickens seeking a second term against several challengers.
Dickens faces former police officer Kalema Jackson, community activist Eddie Meredith, and Republican businessman Helmut “Love” Domagalski. Though the race is officially nonpartisan, Dickens is a Democrat.
Candidates must win a majority of votes to avoid a Dec. 2 runoff between the top two finishers.
Dickens has argued Atlanta has seen a decline in crime, expanded affordable housing efforts, and youth programs as key achievements during his first term. His campaign has spent about $350,000 on ads.
Sign up for NewsNation’s Newsletter
Jackson, who served 13 years with the Atlanta Police Department, has said the city needs stronger crime prevention and a reset in its relationship with Washington, D.C. Domagalski, the lone Republican, branded himself a “responsible capitalist” focused on innovation, pledging to expand the use of AI in public safety and infrastructure. Meredith, a pastor and community advocate, called for greater investment in youth programs and affordable housing.
Atlanta has, in the past, reelected incumbent mayors, though former Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms chose not to seek a second term. Dickens was first elected in a 2021 runoff after finishing second in the initial vote.
Polls in Atlanta will close at 7 p.m. ET Tuesday. Follow election results in the Atlanta mayoral race in the tracker below:
