Rusty Paul and Dontaye Carter Prepare for Runoff in Sandy Springs Mayor’s Race

The Sandy Springs mayoral race is moving to a runoff election after none of the four candidates secured more than 50% of the vote in Tuesday’s election.

Incumbent Mayor Rusty Paul finished in first place with about 43% of the vote. He will face Dontaye Carter, who came in second with roughly 21%. Councilmember Andy Bauman and former councilmember Jody Reichel trailed behind and were eliminated.

Paul acknowledged the cost and challenge of a runoff but expressed confidence heading into the next round. Carter said the results show a desire for new leadership and highlighted concerns about housing affordability, declining school enrollment, and ensuring the city grows more equitably.

A key factor in the runoff will be whether supporters of Bauman and Reichel shift toward Paul or Carter. Tur