Self-described ‘Super Mayor’ can continue her Fulton County candidacy

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — The former self-described “Super Mayor” - whose candidacy brought even more drama to Fulton County elections this spring - will be allowed to continue running for the county commission.

Tiffany Henyard was in attendance Monday when the Fulton County elections board voted 3-1 to allow her to remain on the May 19, 2026, ballot, in her quest to become the new district 5 commissioner.

“The facts are the facts — victory today,” she said following the decision. “It’s about the law, not people’s opinion.”

Henyard’s candidacy was on the board’s Monday agenda only because the board itself forgot to notify her of its previous meeting almost two weeks ago.

“I am a resident of Fulton County. I have always been a resident of Fulton County since May 1, 2025,” Henyard said during the hearing.

At issue was whether Henyard - running as a Republican in a heavily Democratic county - had met all of the residency requirements that would allow her to continue campaigning for the seat that has been held since 2014 by Marvin Arrington, Jr., who is challenging Robb Pitts for commission chair this election season.

The board examined documents submitted by Henyard, including a lease agreement, voter registration card and renters insurance, as part of its review. Questions were raised about the timing of her Georgia driver’s license, which board members noted was issued less than a year before the term of office would begin.

Henyard defended her eligibility, pointing to Georgia law regarding domicile.

“The law states domicile, which I have, which I just proved to everybody,” she said. “I gave documentation and I gave you everything you need to say that I am a Georgia resident.”

The decision drew criticism from some residents who attended the hearing, citing concerns about Henyard’s record in Illinois, which included multiple investigations and lawsuits related to spending and governance.

“You are not going to hear the last of it, Fulton County,” said Shavon Lashley, who opposes Henyard’s candidacy. “Please be aware of what is going on. Don’t fall for it.”

Henyard, 42, previously served as mayor of Dolton, Illinois, from 2021 to 2025 and as supervisor of Thornton Township from 2022 to 2025, according to public records. She was defeated in her 2025 bid for reelection as Dolton mayor.

Henyard’s Instagram profile dubs her as “The Youngest & The FIRST woman Mayor of Dolton & Supervisor of Thornton Township ‘The Most Powerful Woman in The Southland of Chicago.’ #SuperMayor”

Henyard’s move to Georgia and run for office came after years of scrutiny in Illinois, where her administration faced multiple investigations and lawsuits tied to village spending and governance.

Recent reporting in the Chicago Sun-Times also detailed a lawsuit filed by the City of Dolton against Fifth Third Bank, alleging the bank enabled improper payments during Henyard’s tenure.

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“What we are witnessing right now is not about residency; it is about desperation; a desperate attempt to silence a voice, to block a candidate, and to prevent the truth from reaching the people,” Henyard said in a statement.

“There is no question about my residency,“ she said. ”On May 1, 2025, I made a deliberate and documented decision to establish my life here in Georgia. I secured a bona fide residence, opened my business, and became an active part of this community. Residency is not defined by paperwork alone, it is defined by where you live, where you work, and where you invest your time, energy, and purpose. And I have done all three, right here in Fulton County."

Henyard has acknowledged she could have “updated certain documents sooner.”

“But let’s not confuse administrative timing with the reality of where I live and where I have built my life,” she said. “What this challenge truly reflects is fear of an African American woman who is bold enough to stand up, speak truth, and challenge the status quo.”

Also running for the open seat are Democrats Dejia Felicity Swindell, a marketing strategist; accountant Helen Zenobia Willis; J. Jazz Thomas-Jones, who described herself as a podcaster, minister and freelance journalist; and Sojourner Grimmett, a marketing and communications specialist.

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