In the heat of key Fulton County races, District Attorney Fani Willis is expected to coast to re-election, despite a recent scandal, a recent poll suggested. Willis, who has made headlines for her role in the prosecution against Donald Trump, is also under scrutiny for her professional conduct. The poll conducted via text message from April 20-23 by the Hicks Election Group, indicates a strong lead for Willis among likely Democratic voters. Willis holds a commanding 79% over her opponent Christian Wise Smith, who has mustered only 9%, as reported by FOX5 Atlanta.
Yet this robust lead comes amid controversy. Judge Scott McAfee's recent ruling allowed Willis to remain at the helm of the Trump election case, while her colleague, and romantic partner, special prosecutor Nathan Wade, was forced to step down after allegations of impropriety surfaced. In a 23-page critique, McAfee highlighted an "odor of mendacity" over their relationship, leading Wade to resign "in the interest of democracy, in dedication to the American public, and to move this case forward as quickly as possible," as detailed by CNN.
The Fulton County Clerk's race, however, is less certain, with incumbent Che Alexander at 29% and Keisha Waites trailing close at 22%, which suggests a runoff might be looming. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson emphasized this potential outcome, citing Alexander's longstanding role and Waites' visibility as a veteran politician.
On the County Commission front, incumbent Natalie Hall faces a tight race against attorney Mo Ivory. She commands a slender lead, despite a sexual harassment complaint levied against the County, which resulted in a nearly million-dollar settlement. Yet, despite these challenges, Hall remains a fixture in the community, while Ivory brings to the table her organizing skills honed on Stacy Abrams' gubernatorial campaign, per FOX5 Atlanta.
As the Fulton County races advance, the underlying themes are accountability and notoriety. Whether or not the mix of admiration and scandal surrounding Willis's role in national politics influences her local standing, time, and the ballot box will ultimately reveal the electorate's verdict.
