A.T.L. N.E.W.S. Profile Series: The Vision, the Jails, and the Healthcare Crisis
ATLANTA — On May 19, 2026, Fulton County voters will head to the polls to decide who will lead Georgia’s most populous county through a period of immense transition. From the $1.3 billion jail debate to the ongoing healthcare “deserts” in South Fulton, the Chairperson of the Board of Commissioners holds the keys to the county’s future.
In our commitment to providing the most accurate and un-fabricated reporting, A.T.L. N.E.W.S. reached out to all four candidates—incumbent Robb Pitts, Commissioner Marvin Arrington Jr., Commissioner Mo Ivory, and Republican challenger Eric J. Tatum. Each office was sent a set of seven targeted questions regarding the jail crisis, healthcare equity, and fiscal responsibility.
The Challenges of Candidate Outreach
As of press time, candidates have largely remained silent regarding these specific policy inquiries. In the case of Mo Ivory, A.T.L. N.E.W.S. received a response from her former office assistant clarifying a shift in her professional status:
“I am writing to confirm receipt of your email dated 4.16.26. Please note that former Commissioner Mo Ivory vacated her role on March 6th, 2026 to run for Chair and therefore can no longer be reached at mo.ivory@fultoncountyga.gov.”
This transition highlights the “all-in” nature of this race, as candidates step away from secure seats to vie for the county’s highest leadership position. In the interest of public transparency, we are moving forward with profiles based on their official voting records, public debate performances, and established platforms to ensure voters have the facts before they cast their ballots.
The Democratic Primary Field
Robb Pitts (Incumbent)
Chairman Robb Pitts is running for re-election on a platform of “Stability and Experience.” First elected to the chair in 2017, Pitts has navigated the county through the pandemic and a tumultuous property tax period.
- The Jail: Pitts is the primary architect of the current $1.3 billion plan to build a new detention facility. He argues that renovation is a “band-aid” and that a total replacement is the only way to satisfy federal oversight.
- Economic Vision: He continues to tout a “balanced budget” without raising the millage rate, often highlighting the recruitment of major corporations to the region during his tenure.
Marvin S. Arrington, Jr.
Currently representing District 5, Arrington is challenging the incumbent by leaning into his “One Fulton” philosophy, arguing that the southern end of the county has been neglected for too long.
- Healthcare: Arrington has been a vocal proponent of the Union City medical campus. He argues that the county must act as a more aggressive partner with Grady Health System to restore Level-I trauma services to South Fulton.
- The Jail: While he acknowledges the facility’s crisis, Arrington has expressed concerns regarding the cost of the current $1.3 billion plan, suggesting a greater focus on diversion programs to reduce the inmate population first.
Mo Ivory
Formerly representing District 4, Ivory has positioned herself as a “Transparency Champion.” Her campaign emphasizes “Civics for the People,” aimed at demystifying how the county’s multibillion-dollar budget is actually spent.
- Public Safety: Ivory has frequently called for more accountability from the Sheriff’s office and the District Attorney’s office to resolve the court backlog.
- Fiscal Stance: She has expressed skepticism over long-term debt obligations, arguing that infrastructure improvements must be balanced against the displacement of legacy residents due to rising property values.
The Republican Challenger
Eric J. Tatum
As the lone Republican in the race, Tatum is focused on “Law, Order, and Accountability.” His platform is a direct response to the perceived administrative friction within the current board.
- Platform Pillars: Tatum is running on a platform of strict fiscal oversight and “Common Sense” governance. He points to the strained relationships between the current Chairman’s office and law enforcement as a primary reason for the county’s judicial backlog.
- Election Integrity: Aligning with broader state party goals, Tatum advocates for increased county-level oversight of election processes.
The Questions Asked
A.t.L. N.E.W.S. submitted the following questions to each candidate on April 16th:
- The Jail Crisis: Do you support the current renovation plan or a total replacement?
- Healthcare Equity: How will you ensure the Union City campus meets Level-I trauma needs?
- Fiscal Responsibility: How will you fund infrastructure without burdening legacy residents?
- Inter-Governmental Relations: What is your strategy for improving collaboration with the Sheriff and DA?
- Economic Development: How will you balance North Fulton’s growth with South Fulton’s need for investment?
- Platform & Execution: What is your specific ‘Year-One’ action plan?
- Final Thoughts: What else should voters know?
A.T.L. N.E.W.S. will update this story should any candidate respond with further comments.