Cobb Commissioner Jerica Richardson Ousted by Court Ruling Amid Redistricting Dispute, following Cupid Home Rule Map Fiasco

Cobb County Commissioner Jerica Richardson has officially been removed from office following a ruling from Cobb Superior Court Judge Ann Harris. The decision, made last week, affirmed that Richardson’s seat on the Board of Commissioners was vacant, in line with a notice issued by her fellow commissioners in September. Richardson, a Democrat, was ousted on New Year’s Eve by Harris after a prolonged and costly legal battle over redistricting.

Judge Harris ruled that commissioners must reside in the districts they represent. Through her attorney, Richardson had appealed against the vacant notice issued by her fellow commissioners and argued she should remain in office until her successor is elected in April 2024. Harris dismissed this claim, stating it ignored clear county code provisions requiring commissioners to live in their districts. Attorney Justin O’Dell had expressed concerns in an earlier hearing before Judge Harris that the ruling would set a precedent allowing the General Assembly to remove elected officials at will. His argument however did not sway Judge Harris.

Harris’ ruling has effectively ended the legal and financial strain for Cobb taxpayers caused by the fight to keep Richardson in office despite her ineligibility under the new map because Richardson no longer resides in District 2. Harris also answered a long-debated question when she emphasized during her ruling that officials can be removed mid-term if redistricting alters their district boundaries. “Even without a change in the official’s residence, her eligibility to hold office can end mid-term with the implementation of a new map,” Harris wrote. Harris’ ruling has now halted the unnecessary drain on taxpayer funds for a matter that was illegal from the outset. 

As a result of this ruling, Cupid and Cobb County have finally yielded and are supporting the court’s decision, confirming that Richardson no longer qualifies to serve under the new district map. Cupid has also stopped the bleeding of taxpayer funds for a matter that was illegal on its face. But taxpayers are holding their breath to see what comes next.

History of the Cupid Map Illegal Map

In 2022, the Republican-controlled Georgia General Assembly redrew Cobb’s district boundaries, removing Richardson from District 2. Elected in 2020 for a four-year term, Richardson argued that the redistricting effort undermined the will of Cobb’s voters, as the map was passed without local delegation support.

Cobb’s Democratic-majority commissioners, including Chair Lisa Cupid, Commissioner Monique Sheffield, and Richardson decided that they would protect Richardson’s seat with the creation of a “Cupid Home Rule Map.” They sought to do this despite the new state-approved boundaries and knowing that only the state can draw maps.

Cupid’s illegal map remained in effect during this time as she conducted county business using it, including determining an election for races for other commissioners. Election officials used this illegal map to prevent some citizens from running for office in the 2024 elections. One of those citizens, Amy Adams, sued the county over its illegal actions. When the case made its way to court, the Cupid’s Map was ruled illegal and unconstitutional by Judge Kellie Hill in 2024.

Siding with the impacted citizen, Hill’s ruling led to the nullification of the recent elections using the “Cupid’s Home Rule Map.” Hill ordered a special election to be held under the state-approved map. The county finally accepted Hill’s ruling and new elections are now scheduled for this year with Primary Elections in February and General Elections in April. With Richardson’s seat vacant, the board is now reduced to four members as the county awaits the pending elections.

Critics of Cupid’s actions argue that the creation of the illegal “Cupid Home Rule Map” was motivated by a desire to ensure a third vote on the board for her own political agenda, not the interest of the citizens of Cobb.

The legal battle, which lasted over two years, cost Cobb taxpayers millions in defense costs, leading some to question the judgment of county leaders, including Cupid, Sheffield, and Richardson, for pursuing a course of action that violated the state constitution. Some argue that these elected officials responsible for this illegal map should personally cover the costs of their decisions that violated the state constitution. The three swore an oath to uphold the constitution and proceeded to violate it.

The controversy has come at an excessive cost to Cobb taxpayers, who are now left to foot the bill for the prolonged legal battles sparked by the Cupid “Home Rule” Map. Citizens also question how Cupid, an attorney, could have led the people of Cobb down such a misguided path.

With a new election in the horizon, Cobb citizens are hoping for new and better independent representation on the Board of Commissioners. After witnessing poor decision-making and infighting among current members, the upcoming elections for Districts 2 and 4 will offer residents the chance to select new leaders. Voters are seeking individuals who will prioritize the needs of the community, focusing on better decision-making and governance that serve the interests of all Cobb residents, instead of the person elected. These elections are seen as an opportunity for a fresh start and a return to responsible leadership.
 
In the end, following Judge Hill and Judge Harris’ rulings, Cupid, and Cobb County, which had fought to protect Richardson’s seat, ultimately became the force that removed her from office.

Richardson has not ruled out appealing Harris’ decision. In a statement, she criticized the ruling, warning that it jeopardizes the integrity of voter representation and could have lasting consequences for future elections.