Democratic Socialist Kelsea Bond Makes History on Atlanta City Council

Atlanta voters have made history with the election of Kelsea Bond to the open District 2 seat on the Atlanta City Council. Out of a five-candidate field, Bond secured a decisive 64% of the vote in unofficial returns, avoiding a runoff and becoming the first Democratic Socialist ever elected to the Atlanta City Council — and only the sixth in the state.

Bond, a labor and community organizer with a decade of experience living in Midtown Atlanta, also managed the successful campaign of State Rep. Gabriel Sanchez (D-Smyrna), Georgia’s first Democratic Socialist legislator, who won his seat last year.

“Nationwide, we’re seeing a resurgence of the organized progressive left,” Bond told Atlanta Civic Circle during a victory celebration at The Supermarket art gallery in Poncey Highlands. “The status quo in Atlanta is just not working.”

Bond’s win comes on the heels of another historic victory for Democratic Socialists: Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral triumph in New York City. “His win validates the deep concerns we all feel about the state of our cities and our country,” Bond said.

In the District 2 race, Bond captured 6,715 votes, far outpacing runner-up Courtney Smith, who received 2,154 votes (20.53%). By contrast, in other races across the city, no candidate in District 7 exceeded 27%, and none in District 11 topped 33%.

During the campaign, Bond focused on key progressive issues, including affordable housing, expanding public transit, raising living standards, and advancing a Green New Deal for Atlanta. “We’re gonna win in Atlanta for the 99%. The fight’s not over,” Bond said in an Instagram story post. “I need y’all’s help to do it. I’ll take a couple of weeks to rest and then I’ll see you in January — let’s go.”

Bond received a broad coalition of endorsements, including from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and State Rep. Gabriel Sanchez. DSA lauded the campaign as “people-powered,” highlighting its focus on issues important to working families and the growing popularity of socialist policies in Atlanta.

“This win proves that these issues matter, socialist policies are popular, and there is a path forward for working people in our beautiful city,” Atlanta DSA stated in a victory message. The national DSA also issued congratulations to Bond.

Meanwhile, several other council incumbents ran unopposed. Runoffs appear likely in District 7 between Thomas Worthy (27.17%) and Thad Flowers (26.39%), and in District 11 between Wayne Martin (33.23%) and Nate Jester (20.69%).

Kelsea Bond’s historic win marks a new chapter for Atlanta politics, signaling the rise of progressive, people-focused representation at City Hall.