DeKalb CEO Candidate Lorraine Cochran-Johnson releases formal endorsement list featuring distinguished local leaders

CEO candidate unites local leaders on a platform of good government, public safety, economic development and delivering for all DeKalb residents by focusing on people and not politics.  

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – DeKalb County CEO Candidate Lorraine Cochran-Johnson is proud to formally release a distinguished list of enthusiastic local leaders united in support of her campaign for DeKalb County CEO. This list comes on the first day of early voting in the run-off election, where she seeks to become only the second woman to lead DeKalb County as CEO.

Cochran-Johnson distinguished herself as the front-runner in a three-way-race against two fellow commissioners when she received the majority vote at 156 voting precincts out of 191 to gain 46.8% of the vote but fell short of the 50% needed for an outright victory. Cochran -Johnson’s platform has focused on public safety, efficient government, economic development and “government reimagined” through visionary leadership that moves beyond the status quo.

Cochran-Johnson’s list of supporters include former CEO Liane Levetan, the first woman to lead DeKalb as CEO from 1993 to 2000.

“I am proud to support Lorraine. After considering the candidates, I simply feel Lorraine is better suited for the functions of the Chief Executive Officer role. I am excited about her potential,” said Levetan. Additionally, Cochran-Johnson has received the endorsement of former Commissioners Jeff Radar, Kathie Gannon, and Gail Walldorf. “It is a great honor to receive the endorsement of former CEO Levetan and former Commissioners because they are keenly aware of the duties I must perform as CEO. Their confidence in me means more than words can say,” said Cochran-Johnson.

Additional endorsements include Jazzmin Cobble, Mayor of Stonecrest; Lynn Deutsch, Mayor of Dunwoody; Joseph Geierman, Mayor of Doraville; Beverly Jones, Mayor of Stone Mountain; Brandy Hall, Mayor of Pine Lake; Brian Mock, Mayor of Chamblee; Shameka Reynolds, Mayor of Lithonia; George Turner, Mayor Pro Tempore Stonecrest; John J. Funny, Mayor Pro Tempore Brookhaven; Stephe Koontz, Councilmember Doraville; John Mesa, Councilmember Chamblee; Alexis Weaver, Councilmember Tucker; and Georgia State House Representatives Mary Margaret Oliver, State House District 82; Rhonda Taylor, State House District 92; and Imani Barnes, State House District 86. Rounding out Cochran-Johnson’s endorsements is Greater, Advocates for DeKalb Animals, clergy, and well-known community activist.

Although Cochran-Johnson’s third race, it is the first race where she has published endorsements. Cochran-Johnson has always been keenly focused on sharing her message with as many people as possible.

“I’ve found when you engage people and you are earnest, your message will resonate, and you will be successful. I believe the highest endorsement a candidate can receive is a vote from their constituents,” said Cochran-Johnson. With only 78,000 of 595,000 registered voters showing-up for the Primary Election, the expectation is that voter turn-out will be low in the runoff – so every vote matters.

Lorraine Cochran-Johnson is the former Super District 7 Commissioner of DeKalb County, Georgia. Cochran-Johnson was first elected in 2018 when she defeated incumbent Gregory Adams in a runoff with 67.4% of the vote and was successfully elected to a second term in 2022, after facing two challengers and receiving 77.5% of the vote in the Primary Election.

As a DeKalb County Commissioner, Cochran-Johnson authored groundbreaking legislation and raised the bar in service delivery. She is the author of the Video Surveillance System Ordinance that requires mandatory video cameras at all gas and service stations to keep DeKalb residents safe. She wrote the Boxed Store Ordinance that stopped the proliferation of dollar stores across DeKalb that now serves as model legislation in nine states garnering national features in the New York Times and on CBS Sunday Morning. As Chair of Public Works and infrastructure, Cochran-Johnson has saved taxpayers $92 million using mandatory contract audit and oversaw the allocation or more than $1.4 billion in infrastructure investments – representing the highest dollar amount dispersed by a sitting Commissioner in the history of DeKalb County. She is the 2023 Elected Official of the Year by the American Public Works Association and the 2023 Georgia ACT Housing Champion for her workshop series to promote affordable housing.

To learn more about Lorraine Cochran-Johnson and her platform visit www.lorraineforchange.com.

PAID FOR BY LORRAINE FOR DEKALB CEO