Outgoing DeKalb County CEO talks about what’s next

The outgoing DeKalb County CEO shed light on his plans after leaving office.
Michael Thurmond has said in the past that he doesn’t believe his political career will end in DeKalb. For now, Thurmond — who is term-limited — wants to concentrate on the job he has.
“You never make important decisions when you’re tired if you can avoid it. What I want to do is to finish strong, take time to reflect and understand what I’ve learned,” Thurmond told the hosts of “Politically Georgia” on Monday.
“I’m a throwback politician. I believe that we are elected to build consensus and to ultimately solve problems and help people. I’m not in it just to throw bombs or get likes out there on Facebook or the internet,” Thurmond said. “I don’t know that a politician like that can still be successful in the current political environment.”
Thurmond has had a long career in Georgia politics. He was elected to the state Legislature in 1986.
He also served as the director of the Division of Family and Children Services and state labor commissioner.
Then in 2017, he became DeKalb’s CEO.
There have been rumors that the longtime Democrat could run for governor. And he stoked those rumors earlier this month during his final State of the County address, telling the crowd “I may need your vote” again.
“Every politician thinks they got one more run in them, so we’ll see,” Thurmond said.
Three commissioners — Steve Bradshaw, Lorraine Cochran-Johnson and Larry Johnson — are vying to succeed Thurmond when his term ends in December, but he has not endorsed anyone yet in the May 21 primary.
The CEO said, “As I stated, we have three, I think exceptional candidates, but there, there is a definite possibility that I will endorse someone in the runoff, which is almost certain to occur.”
Tuesday on ”Politically Georgia”: Georgia GOP Chairman Josh McKoon joins the show.
Learn more about the May 2024 elections
Primary election day is Tuesday, May 21. Early in-person voting begins April 29 and ends May 17. Check your voter registration information at mvp.sos.ga.gov. April 22 is the last day to register to vote in the primary.
Profiling the candidates
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution will publish profiles of the three DeKalb County chief executive officer candidates as part of the news organization’s comprehensive coverage of the May 2024 primaries. No Republican filed to run, giving whichever Democrat wins an uncontested path to the job.
- Tuesday: Steve Bradshaw
- Wednesday: Lorraine Cochran-Johnson
- Thursday: Larry Johnson
- Georgia Decides: Voter Guide from AJC / ACC
Hear from the candidates
The AJC is partnering with New Birth Missionary Baptist Church and WSB-TV to host a candidate forum with the three DeKalb CEO candidates on April 18 at 7 p.m. Watch live at ajc.com.
Other races in Metro Atlanta
Across the region, the May 21 primary will feature candidates for county commission, other state and local offices and U.S. Congress, as well as some local referendums. Follow state and congressional election news, and the presidential race, on our Politics page. News about city and county elections is on the Metro Atlanta page. Coverage and information will also be found in AJC print and ePaper editions.
Get in touch
If you have tips to share or questions for the DeKalb County candidates, contact us at sara.gregory@ajc.com.



