Lauren Locke, who was running for the District 2 seat against incumbent Melody Kelley, has withdrawn from the race. She campaigned on a message of crime and safety that echoed strategies used by some north Fulton candidates four years ago.

The former candidate said she left the race under “extreme duress,” alleging that she has been the target of criminal acts by members of the public. However, no related police reports were found.

Her withdrawal appears to be tied to scrutiny by the city of Sandy Springs over her eligibility to qualify as a candidate due to an unresolved tax lien. An October hearing had been set to address the issue.

City Attorney Dan Lee confirmed to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that public records show Locke and her husband have more than $1 million in state and

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