Sam Foster

AROUND TOWN: Another candidate hops into race for Marietta mayor

Sam Foster is from Georgia. He has a bachelor's degree in information technology from Kennesaw State University. He lives in southwest Marietta, near Marietta High School.

Sam is a systems engineer at a technology company. He previously advocated for bike and pedestrian safety, housing affordability, and public transit improvements with the nonprofit A Better Cobb.

Sam's campaign for Marietta Mayor is his first entry into politics. He is 24 years old and is one of the youngest mayoral candidates in Marietta's history.

Believes there is a housing affordability crisis that is not being addressed with the urgency it requires.

Supports investing in supportive housing, low-barrier services, and mental health services for unhoused people.

Believes there is a housing affordability crisis that is not being addressed with urgency.

Supports investing in mental health services for unhoused people.

Said, "As mayor, I would fight to fix our broken traffic calming system. Our streets should be safe for everyone, no matter where they live."

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Buket Urgen

Sam is a systems engineer at a technology company. He moved to Marietta to finish his degree in Information Technology at Kennesaw State University. After graduating in 2022, he began working as an IT systems engineer.

Sam's campaign for Marietta Mayor is his first entry into politics. 

Economy

Supports investing in "supportive housing and low-barrier services, as well as mental health services for unhoused people."

Public Services

Believes there is a housing affordability crisis that needs urgent attention.

Housing & Urban Development

Plans to improve traffic safety by allowing residents to apply for traffic calming measures, simplifying the approval process, and enabling renters to participate in traffic calming petitions.

Public Safety

Believes the city is facing a housing affordability crisis that isn't being addressed urgently.

Believes the city has failed to reinvest in multiple corridors, such as Roswell Street, despite decades of studies and plans.

Supports exploring smaller solutions to transportation issues after Cobb's 1%, 30-year transit tax was rejected by voters.

Plans to improve the traffic calming system to enhance street safety for all residents.

Transportation & Infrastructure

Energy & the Environment

Steve Thunder Tumlin Jr

Marietta mayor thunders his way to fourth term

The MEAG Power Board – MEAG Power

Steve is currently the mayor of Marietta. He was first elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2017 and 2021. He is serving his fourth term.

As of September 3, 2025, Steve Thunder Tumlin Jr did not have a website or any information online.

Supports increasing funding for local schools.

Supports prioritizing roads and public transportation to ensure sustainable city growth.

- The mayor leads the executive branch of local government, presiding over city council meetings, making sure city departments run smoothly, and providing services to citizens. 
- The mayor runs the city day to day and prepares the budget each year, meaning that they propose how much funding goes to each city department, including the police department, city parks, transportation, and the fire department. 
- The mayor also hires the Police Chief, Fire Chief, and city department heads, such as City Planning, Parks & Recreation, and Transportation. 
- Most Georgia mayors are elected in odd years to four year terms. Elections are nonpartisan. 