Fulton DA-Elect And Sheriff-Elect On Their Runoff Wins Against Incumbents
Fani Willis and Pat Labat both beat incumbents on Tuesday’s Democratic primary runoff in Fulton County.
Andrew Harnik / AP Photo
Fani Willis has crushed the incumbent in the Democratic primary runoff for the Fulton County district attorney’s office, with more than 74% of the vote.
Her former boss, attorney Paul Howard conceded the race late Tuesday night. He was seeking a 7th term in office.
In a telephone interview, Willis told WABE’s “Morning Edition” host Lisa Rayam, the residents of Fulton County deserve a change.
“I really want to see the office change really from the bottom up. I think that it is a shame that the way that the office currently runs is that the former, or soon to be former, district attorney often brags that he would charge and indict people within 45 minutes. I don’t think that is an appropriate way to do business. Prior to bringing something so serious as an indictment one should be properly investigated. And then certainly once the evidence is there, we would pursue conviction and justice for the victim.”
Willis’ opponent, Paul Howard was the first African American district attorney elected in Georgia when he took office in 1997.
WABE reached out to Howard, but he declined to comment. Willis worked in Howard’s office for 16 years.
Fulton County’s new sheriff-elect says his mission is to bring about a change in the way the community perceives the office.
Pat Labat defeated incumbent Ted Jackson winning nearly 60 percent of the vote in yesterday’s run-off election.
Labat said, ” One of the first things I want to really look at… our recruitment, our retention of good officers. And really be thoughtful about how we engage our community. I’ve said quite often right… there is a feeling if not a perception that the current administrative set up views the sheriff’s office as second responders. We want to lead and set the tone for law enforcement. ”
Labot told WABE’s Morning Edition that his office will also remain laser-focused on the coronavirus pandemic.
Incumbent, Ted Jackson was seeking a 4th term in office. He canceled a scheduled interview with WABE this morning.
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