Georgia’s reputation as a political battleground isn’t slowing down after Tuesday’s election. 

Across the state, a new wave of high-stakes local elections for mayor, the Public Service Commission, city councils, and the General Assembly could reshape who holds power in metro Atlanta and beyond.

Here’s how the elections played out:

State House District 106

In Gwinnett County’s State House District 106, Democrat Marqus Cole has been declared the victor over Democrat Akbar Ali, Democrat Marqus Cole and Republican Jamie Parker

The seat became open after Democratic state Rep. Shelly Hutchinson announced her retirement in August. Hutchinson said that she had to step back from some legislative duties due to a “serious health crisis” in her family, and was called to be more present as a caretaker and daughter.

South Fulton mayor’s race

Voters in South Fulton chose not to give the city’s second-ever mayor another four years in office, but who will lead the city remains uncertain.

Councilmember Carmalitha L. Gumbs, who finished with 39.3% of the vote, will face District 7 Councilman and two-term Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Mark Baker in a runoff. No candidate secured more than 51% of the vote.

Mayor Khalid Kamau, who goes by Mayor Kobi, garnered less than 5% of votes, according to the Secretary of State’s Office. He announced that he would not be seeking reelection in April, citing the position’s annual salary. Months later, he reversed his decision, choosing to run for a second term amid multiple fights with the South Fulton City Council and allegations over improper city spending. 

Marietta mayor’s race

In Marietta, 78-year-old incumbent Mayor Steve “Thunder” Tumlin is projected to beat Sam Foster, a 24-year-old systems engineer and community organizer, to secure his fifth term in office.

In 2017, Marietta approved term limits that restrict elected officials to three four-year terms. The new rule wasn’t retroactive, allowing Tumlin to run again this year. 

His latest term will count as his third under the new limits.  

Sandy Springs mayor’s race

Mayor Rusty Paul was re-elected for a fourth consecutive term. Paul, who had previously been the chair of the Georgia Republican Party, is the city’s second mayor. Democratic activist Dontaye Carter also lost to Paul four years ago

Stone Mountain mayor’s race

Jelani Linder garnered more votes than the incumbent, Dr. Beverly Jones, to become the next mayor of Stone Mountain. 

What’s next

On Nov. 18, a special election will be held for Georgia State Senate District 35 for Jason Esteves’ seat, who is running for governor next year. CBS Atlanta will continue to track the key races shaping Georgia’s political future — from the Capitol to City Hall.

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ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Open enrollment for health coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplace is now underway for more than a million Georgians, but this year comes with added uncertainty.

The tax credits that help make coverage affordable may not be extended, leaving many residents unsure about their health care costs.

64-year-old Gareth Finley currently qualifies for a monthly premium tax credit under the ACA, which helps keep her insurance within reach.

But this week, Finley was stunned to see her monthly premium had doubled. Her $1,200-per-month tax credit may or may not continue, a decision now in the hands of Congress.

“I think the U.S. has amazing health care, but the financing system for it is just kind of bizarre and broken,” Finley said.

According to Georgians for a Healthy Future, nearly 1.5 million Georgians rely on ACA tax credits. 93% of those enrolled in the marketplace depend on the subsidies to keep coverage affordable.

Finley expressed concern about the broader impact of rising costs on hospitals and rural communities.

“When hospitals can’t afford sustaining emergency rooms, they’ll end up closing — especially in rural areas like where I live,” she said.

The debate over ACA tax credits has become central in the ongoing government shutdown. Democrats stress the urgency of extending the subsidies.

Senator Jon Ossoff said in a statement, “Today, Senate Republicans again blocked a bill to fund the Federal government and prevent massive increases in health insurance premiums. More than 20 million Americans will see their health insurance premiums double next year without Congressional action, while President Trump continues to refuse to work on a solution.”

Republicans argue the pandemic-era subsidies were intended to be temporary and that continuing them could benefit higher-income households.

However, Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has signaled willingness to negotiate with Democrats on a new healthcare plan, posting that she is “absolutely disgusted” that insurance premiums could double if the credits expire.

Finley said the credits are essential.

“I can’t see our country sustaining our health care system and economy without it,” she said.

Open enrollment runs through Jan. 15. Experts warn that if Congress does not act before the end of the year, thousands of Georgia families could lose coverage or face unaffordable premiums early next year.

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