Lorraine Cochran-Johnson claims historic win in DeKalb County CEO race

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–Lorraine Cochran-Johnson claimed the victory in Tuesday’s hotly-contested runoff with Larry Johnson, well on her way to becoming the first African-American woman who will hold the office of DeKalb County CEO. Cochran-Johnson will be the second woman ever to hold DeKalb’s top leadership position, standing on the shoulders of Liane Levetan, who was the first woman to hold the seat and succeeding the term-limited Michael Thurmond.

Cochran-Johnson was ahead in the race with 25,608 votes (59.96 percent), according to unofficial results. Larry Johnson had 17,104 votes ( 40.04 percent). The winner only needs to earn 50 percent plus one in the runoff.

As the unofficial results were announced, the crowd cheered at Cochran-Johnson’s watch party, which was held at the Hotel Spice and Sky Atlanta-Perimeter. Cochran-Johnson thanked a slew of supporters including Liane Levetan, whom she said was unable to attend the celebration due to illness. She also acknowledged Burrell Ellis, a former DeKalb CEO, who was in attendance.

For preliminary and unofficial election results, visit www.DeKalbVotes.com and click on the “Your Voice, Your Vote” Election Results tab

Here’s a look at video coverage of Cochran-Johnson’s watch party shot by Glenn L. Morgan/ocgnews.com: