2026 Georgia General Election

2026 Georgia Primary Election

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2026 Georgia Primary Runoff

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Professional Background and Legal Expertise

Michael Tyrone Garrett has a bachelor's degree in business from Auburn University and a law degree from Mitchell Hamline School of Law.

Michael Tyrone Garrett | Ballotpedia

Michael is currently judge for Clayton County State Court. He was first appointed in 2012. He is serving his fourth term.

Michael previously served as senior assistant district attorney with the Fulton County District Attorney's Office and as assistant district attorney with the South Georgia District Attorney's Office.

As a state district court judge for 14 years, oversees all felony, probate, and civil cases, rules in all civil actions against the state seeking financial payment, authorizes naturalization and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

As an assistant district attorney for four years, prosecuted civil and criminal cases under state law on behalf of the district attorney’s office, supervised legal and clerical staff, and conducted interviews with victims and witnesses in ongoing cases.

- As a state district court judge for 14 years, oversees all felony, probate, and civil cases, rules in all civil actions against the state seeking financial payment, authorizes naturalization and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.
- As an assistant district attorney for four years, prosecuted civil and criminal cases under state law on behalf of the district attorney’s office, supervised legal and clerical staff, and conducted interviews with victims and witnesses in ongoing cases.

Legal Experience

As of March 11, 2026, Michael Tyrone Garrett did not have a website or any information online.

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Michael Tyrone Garrett

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Tameka West earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Clark Atlanta University and a law degree from the University of Iowa, College of Law. She lives in Georgia.

Tameka is a staff attorney for the Clayton County Board of Commissioners. She previously served as a pro tempore judge in Clayton County Juvenile Court and an associate judge in Clayton County Magistrate Court.

Tameka West's campaign for Clayton County State Court Judge is her first entry into politics.

Tameka's campaign for a judge of the Clayton County State Court is her first run for public office.

As a staff attorney for Clayton County Board of Commissioners, researches, drafts, and files legal documents, and provides defense and counsel to the county's Board of Commissioners, department heads, and other county officials.

As a juvenile court judge, oversaw cases involving delinquency and dependency of individuals under 18.

As a magistrate court associate judge, held preliminary hearings in minor criminal cases, oversaw civil suits and the recovery of personal property, and issued search and arrest warrants.

As an attorney in private practice for over 20 years, specialized in civil rights, labor, employment law, contractual disputes, and license review.

- As a staff attorney for Clayton County Board of Commissioners, researches, drafts, and files legal documents, and provides defense and counsel to the county's Board of Commissioners, department heads, and other county officials.
- As a juvenile court judge, oversaw cases involving delinquency and dependency of individuals under 18.
- As a magistrate court associate judge, held preliminary hearings in minor criminal cases, oversaw civil suits and the recovery of personal property, and issued search and arrest warrants.
- As an attorney in private practice for over 20 years, specialized in civil rights, labor, employment law, contractual disputes, and license review.

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

Supports timely access to hearings and resolutions.

Believes in "accountability driven case oversight."

- Plans to streamline court processes.
- Supports timely access to hearings and resolutions.
- Believes in "accountability driven case oversight."

Tameka is an active member of the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys (GABWA), holding various leadership positions within the organization.

Tameka is a member of the Clayton County Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council and previously held the position of Vice-Chair of the Development Authority of Clayton County.

- Tameka is an active member of the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys (GABWA), holding various leadership positions within the organization.
- Tameka is a member of the Clayton County Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council and previously held the position of Vice-Chair of the Development Authority of Clayton County.

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Tameka West

- Despite their name, State Courts in Georgia have limited jurisdiction within their county. State Court Judges also have limited jurisdiction over the types of cases they hear, as opposed to Superior Court. 
- State Court Judges hear misdemeanors, like traffic tickets. They also issue arrest and search warrants and hold preliminary hearings in some criminal cases. 
- State Court Judges hear most civil matters that aren't related to land titles, divorce, or cases involving non-monetary damages (those matters are handled by the Superior Court).
- State Court Judges are elected in non-partisan county wide elections and serve four year terms. The Governor can appoint State Court Judges when vacancies arise. 


Local Judges who hear misdemeanors and some civil cases

Clayton State Court Judge (Michael T Garrett)

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