Jeff Allen wins Norcross council seat with 69% of vote in special election
Allen defeated former Mayor Bucky Johnson to fill the vacancy left by Council Member Marshall Cheek's death, with 1,090 ballots cast in the Nov. 3 contest.
By Samir Patterson ·
Jeff Allen won a special election for the Norcross City Council on Nov. 3, capturing 69% of the unofficial vote total. He defeated former longtime Mayor Bucky Johnson to reclaim a seat on the city's governing body. The office opened earlier this year following the death of Council Member Marshall Cheek. Cheek had one year remaining on a four-year term when he passed away.
Unofficial tallies show 1,090 ballots were cast in this contest. That figure represents a higher turnout than many recent municipal election cycles in the city. For comparison, the 2019 mayoral race between Craig Newton and Chuck Paul drew 1,138 votes. That earlier ballot also included a local referendum known as the Brunch Bill.
Allen is set to begin his second, nonconsecutive term on Nov. 16, pending final certification of the results. He previously served on the council and left office in 2008 after the birth of his last child. By trade, Allen works as an IT consultant. He described himself primarily as a dad, grandad, and husband during a post-election interview.
Johnson spoke with Allen the night before the election and again on the morning of Nov. 3. Johnson offered his full support for Allen for the remainder of the term. Allen noted that the two men are friends and agree on more issues than they disagree on. He expressed confidence that this shared perspective would resonate with Johnson's former supporters.
Allen’s campaign platform focused on opposing recent changes to the city’s comprehensive plan. He specifically cited density increases and a rise in rental units as key concerns. Allen stated that the number one issue discussed with neighbors during his campaign was the spring changes to density and zoning. He argued that citizens felt the council failed to properly represent them during that process.
He plans to push for a modern voting system to replace the current method of raising hands. Allen said digital systems are already in use in other parts of Georgia. These tools allow residents to see live who is voting for what and reference the record later. He also aims to reduce red tape for businesses expanding in Norcross and increase transparency in government operations.
Allen will join council members Josh Bare, Bruce Gaynor, Andrew Hixson, and Matt Myers. Mayor Craig Newton will preside over the body. The council now has a full complement of members following the resolution of this vacancy. Allen’s swearing-in is tentatively scheduled for Nov. 16.
Other races in the area also yielded results on Nov. 3. In State House District 96, incumbent Arlene Beckles ran unopposed. In District 97, Democratic candidate Jyot Singh defeated Republican Yassin Moghazy to fill a vacated seat. Across three State Senate districts covering parts of Norcross, all Democratic candidates retained their seats or won their respective contests.
State Sen. Sheikh Rahman ran unopposed in District 5. Former state Rep. Ruwa Romman defeated Republican candidate Aizaz Shaikh by a nearly 2-to-1 margin. State Rep. Sally Harrell beat Republican challenger Melina R. Mast in District 40. Two Gwinnett County Commission seats were also on the ballot, though neither district includes the city of Norcross.
District 4 incumbent Republican Matthew Holtkamp lost to Democratic candidate Benjamin L. Culberson. District 2 Commissioner Ben Ku defeated Republican challenger Rodolfo Ochoa in a comfortable win. These results, along with the council special election, conclude the local voting cycle for Nov. 3 in this region.
