Sonya Allen Sworn in as Cobb DA, makes history

“I pledge to approach my duties with an unwavering commitment to protect the innocent, seek justice for victims, and ensure that every person, regardless of background or circumstances, is treated fairly under the law,” said Sonya Allen as she was sworn in this week as Cobb County’s new district attorney by Georgia Supreme Court Justice Verda Colvin.

With her parents and daughter by her side, Allen took her oath of office, making history as the first elected Black woman to hold the office in Cobb County. Reflecting on her historic achievement, Allen said, “To be the first African-American woman elected to the office in Cobb County’s history is deeply humbling. That is a long 192 years.”

Allen ran unopposed in the November general election after securing 55% of the vote in the May Democratic Primary, where she defeated incumbent Flynn Broady. Allen expressed gratitude toward her predecessor, Joyette Holmes, who was appointed by Governor Brian Kemp as the county’s first female and first Black district attorney. Allen thanked Holmes during the ceremony, noting, “I did not get here alone, it was the shoulders of trailblazers who paved the way.” Allen emphasized the significance of her role and the responsibility it carries, stating, “It represents the breaking of barriers and the hope that we as a community are moving toward a future where leadership truly reflects the rich diversity of the people we serve.”

Before becoming DA-elect, Allen was a deputy district attorney for the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office. Prior to that, she served for over 25 years in the Cobb Sheriff’s Office, eventually rising to the position of chief deputy under Republican Sheriff Neil Warren.

Georgia Supreme Court Justice Verda Colvin praised Allen’s qualifications, saying she embodies the hopes and dreams of every constituent she serves. “Her vast legal career as a prosecutor makes her well-suited to represent the state of Georgia on behalf of Cobb County, pursuing and holding offenders accountable while being keenly committed to her constituents and every concern they have,” Colvin said. Colvin herself made history in 2021 when she became the first black woman to be appointed by a Republican governor to the state’s high court.

During the ceremony, Allen outlined her commitment to lead the DA’s office with the three principles she emphasized throughout her campaign: fairness, transparency, and a deep respect for the law. She acknowledged that Cobb residents care deeply about the safety of their neighborhoods, the fairness of the justice system, and the integrity of those who uphold the law.

“I pledge to approach my duties with an unwavering commitment to protect the innocent, seek justice for victims, and ensure that every person, regardless of background or circumstances, is treated fairly under the law,” Allen said.

Looking ahead, Allen recognized future challenges of the office saying, “We will face complex cases, hard choices, and sometimes public scrutiny, but I promise you this — I will meet these challenges with integrity and a firm belief that justice must serve us all equally.”