Joan Garner, who is seeking to be the first openly gay person on the Fulton County Commission, has been endorsed by Georgia Equality.
Garner is seeking the District 6 seat currently held by Nancy Boxill, who is not seeking re-election. The primary is set for July 20 with the election on Nov. 2. Only voters living in the specific districts can vote for the candidate seeking that district post. The Fulton County chair position is at-large, meaning all people in the county can vote in that race.
“I am honored and humbled to have the early support of Georgia Equality, which serves an important function for the LGBT community and for the community at large,” said Garner in a press release.
“This endorsement recognizes that my work with the LGBT community and broader communities can be extended, representing all of us in addressing the crucial issues of Fulton County, including public safety, public health, transportation and more.”
“One of the reasons I entered this race is to ensure that this diverse community continues to prosper and that it does so with the active participation of people from all walks of life across District 6 and beyond. I look forward to accomplishing that in partnership with Georgia Equality,” Garner added.
Georgia Equality, the state’s largest LGBT advocacy group, also this week endorsed Jason Carter for the state Senate District 42 seat. A special election for this seat is set for May 11.
“We are pleased to offer Joan our support. Her years of experience with both Fulton County government and the LGBT community make her an ideal candidate,” said GE Executive Director Jeff Graham in a statement.
“Add to that her significant leadership experience within organizations addressing issues important to the diverse population of District 6. We are impressed with the team she has put together to run her campaign and know that she will run a strong and competitive race. Having friends of the community in office is good, but our presence at the table is game-changing. We look forward to seeing Joan Garner represent us at that table, as she has done for so many years already.”
Fulton County District 6 encompasses portions of the northeastern, central and southeastern sections of Atlanta, from as far south as the city/Fulton County line to Lindridge-Martin Manor on the northern edge of the district. East to West, the district runs approximately from Moreland Avenue to Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard.
Follow Garner on Twitter: @Garner4Results or contact her campaign at 404-494-0283 or email drew@garnerforcommissioner.com. Her website is www.GarnerforCommissioner.com.
[Correction: Due to incorrect information from the Fulton County Department of Registrations and Elections, it was previously reported in this story that the District 6 seat was at-large.]
Photo by Dyana Bagby