South Fulton, Georgia — a city still shaping its identity less than a decade after incorporation — has elected its first woman mayor.
On Dec. 2, longtime council member Carmalitha Gumbs secured a decisive victory, marking a new chapter for a community eager for stability, accountability, and fresh leadership.
For Gumbs, her historic win wasn’t something she had long planned.
“This was not on my bingo card,” she told CBS News after walking into City Hall for the first time as mayor-elect. “But the fact that we made history is overwhelming and exciting.”
A Mandate for Transparency
South Fulton has had three mayors in just eight years, a political churn that left many residents frustrated and distrustful. Gumbs centered her campaign on rebuilding that trust.
“We have to over-communicate,” she said. “People shouldn’t feel blindsided or left in the dark.”
Her first challenge is cultural as much as structural: convincing residents that City Hall works for them. Gumbs says radical transparency — routine communication, open decision-making, and more direct engagement — will define her administration.
Public Safety and a Young Police Force
Public safety ranked high among voter concerns. Gumbs plans to expand community-based policing, increase mentorship opportunities for young officers, and review pay structures to remain competitive.
“We have a very young police force,” she said. “They need stronger guidance and community connection if we’re going to rebuild trust.”
A Tailored Vision for Economic Growth
South Fulton is a patchwork of identities: sprawling rural-style neighborhoods, business corridors, entertainment districts, and growing residential communities. Gumbs argues that development efforts must reflect those differences.
“We have to stop acting like two cities,” she said. “We’re one city, and we have to promote our strengths.”
Her plan includes place-specific economic strategies — encouraging growth without sacrificing the character that residents value.
Repairing Political Divisions
Gumbs will replace outgoing mayor Khalid Kamau, whose term was overshadowed by scandal, including investigations into alleged misuse of public funds and unauthorized travel. His turbulent tenure left the young city politically bruised.
Gumbs acknowledges the lingering division but says healing is non-negotiable.
“Even if you didn’t vote for me, I still represent you,” she told constituents.
She plans to meet one-on-one with all council members before taking office in January, aligning expectations and shaping her first 100-day agenda.
A City Ready for Renewal
South Fulton residents have lived through rapid growth, high expectations, and political instability. Gumbs’ election signals a desire for steady leadership — someone who understands the city’s uneven history but sees its potential clearly.
Whether she can deliver on her ambitious promises remains to be seen. But for many, her victory alone represents a turning point.
A resident who attended her campaign celebration put it simply: “For the first time in a long time, it feels like we’re moving forward.”
