2026 Georgia General Election

2026 Georgia Primary Election

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Dondell R. Patterson graduated from Tuskegee University and earned a law degree from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. She is a married mother of two.

Dondell R. Patterson is an attorney who currently serves as Deputy Director of the City of Atlanta Office of the Public Defender.

Judicial Candidate Resource Guide

As a public defender with over 19 years of experience, she provides legal counsel and representation to juveniles and criminal defendants who are unable to hire an attorney.

- As a public defender with over 19 years of experience, she provides legal counsel and representation to juveniles and criminal defendants who are unable to hire an attorney.

Legal Experience

As of March 11, 2026, Dondell R. Patterson’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Committed to sound legal judgment grounded in principle, not politics.

Wants a court that works for every resident of Douglas County.

Supports transparent, ethical leadership that "rebuilds" public confidence in the judiciary.

Seeks accountability and procedural integrity in every courtroom.

- Committed to sound legal judgment grounded in principle, not politics.
- Wants a court that works for every resident of Douglas County.
- Supports transparent, ethical leadership that "rebuilds" public confidence in the judiciary.
- Seeks accountability and procedural integrity in every courtroom.

Judicial Administration

Has served in the West Georgia Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, since 2023.

- Has served in the West Georgia Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, since 2023.

Community Involvement

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Dondell R. Patterson

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Zaine Hedge earned a bachelor's degree in English and literature from Reinhardt University and a law degree from Charleston School of Law. He lives in Lithia Springs.

Zaine Hedge / Ballotpedia

Zaine currently serves as the chief magistrate for Douglas County, Georgia. He was appointed to the position in 2026. He previously ran for judge of the Georgia 7th Superior Court District, Douglas Circuit, in 2024, but did not win.

Zaine previously worked as an attorney and partner. He was also a lecturer at Kennesaw State University, and an attorney on the Juvenile Court Administrative Council in Georgia.

As a chief magistrate, assigns cases to lower magistrates, determines the court’s schedule, and appoints magistrates to be confirmed by the superior court.

As a legal associate/attorney at Hedge Law Office, LLC, he researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients, specializing in personal injury and criminal defense.

- As a chief magistrate, assigns cases to lower magistrates, determines the court’s schedule, and appoints magistrates to be confirmed by the superior court.
- As a legal associate/attorney at Hedge Law Office, LLC, he researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients, specializing in personal injury and criminal defense.

As of March 11, 2026, Zaine Hedge’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Serves as a board member for the Good Samaritan Center.

Works as a Crossroads Church youth leader.

Volunteers at Mason Creek Middle School, Mason Creek Elementary School, Burnett Elementary School, and Habitat for Humanity.

- Serves as a board member for the Good Samaritan Center.
- Works as a Crossroads Church youth leader.
- Volunteers at Mason Creek Middle School, Mason Creek Elementary School, Burnett Elementary School, and Habitat for Humanity.

Zaine Hedge

- Magistrate Courts hear civil cases only in amounts less than $15,000. There are no jury trials in Magistrate Court. 
- Magistrate Courts hear landlord tenant dispossessory cases (i.e. a case where a landlord is seeking an eviction of their tenant) and can order evictions. 
- The Chief Magistrate can determine procedures for managing the cases in front of the Magistrate. For example, in Fulton County the Chief Magistrate informs parties in landlord tenant dispossessory cases on the benefits of mediation and provides on-site mediators to resolve landlord tenant disputes before the parties appear in front of the judge. 
- Magistrate Courts only have jurisdiction over their respective counties. Each county has its own magistrate court. Magistrate Court Judge term lengths vary per county, however most serve four year terms. Local Superior Court Judges set parameters for Magistrate Courts. 

Local Judges who hear low-value civil cases and eviction cases

Douglas Chief Magistrate

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Legal Experience

Ethics & Conduct

Judicial Administration

Community Involvement