LinkedIn

National Association of Counties

Larry earned his Bachelor of Science in community health from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and later earned his master's degree in public health from the University of Northern Colorado. Larry is married, and has one daughter.

Larry is the former communications director for the Association of Black Cardiologists, and the former manager for the Fulton County Department of Health & Wellness.

Larry Johnson was elected to the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners in 2002, and was the youngest person ever to serve in this office. He was re-elected in 2018 and is serving his sixth term. He serves as the chair of the Health Disparities Subcommittee for the National Association of Counties (NACo), Vice Chair of the NACo Health Steering Committee, and Vice President of NACo. He was recently elected to the 2020-2021 Association County Commissioner of Georgia Board of Managers as a representative for the National Association of Counties.

Council on Foundations,  Larry Johnson

As county commissioner, started "DeKalb Walks" in order to encourage health improvement through walking, and designated walking as the official exercise of DeKalb.

As county commissioner, implemented the "Prescription Discount Drug Card," wherein participants will save 20% off of prescription drug costs not covered by insurance.

- As county commissioner, started "DeKalb Walks" in order to encourage health improvement through walking, and designated walking as the official exercise of DeKalb.
- As county commissioner, implemented the "Prescription Discount Drug Card," wherein participants will save 20% off of prescription drug costs not covered by insurance.

Public Services

Supports the creation of employment centers throughout the region in order to implement industry support programs.

- Supports the creation of employment centers throughout the region in order to implement industry support programs.

Economy

As of June 7, 2025, Larry Johnson’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Education

Public Safety

Housing & Urban Development

Transportation & Infrastructure

Facebook

Twitter

Larry Johnson

AJC/ACC Voter Guide - Local & Legislative Questionnaire

Lorraine is originally from Greenville, Alabama. She earned her bachelor's in political science from Troy State University, her master's in the administration of criminal justice from Troy State University, her master's in public administration from Auburn University, and her law degree from John Marshall Law School. Johnson also holds a business certificate from Harvard University in Delivering Public Services. She lives in Stoncrest with her husband, William, and their daughter. 

Lorraine previously worked as a professor at the Art Institute of Atlanta, an associate publisher and vice president of business development at Real Times Media, a regional marketing manager at Great Southern Publishers, a communications specialist at United Front Media, a publisher at Salons Unlimited Magazine, and an account executive at Creative Loafing Newspaper.

Ballotpedia, Lorraine Cochran-Johnson

Lorraine Cochran Johnson is currently the commissioner representing DeKalb County Super District 7. She was elected to this position in 2018 and is serving her second term.

Supports youth empowerment programs, which help reduce crime rates and improve academic performance by providing young people with learning opportunities, mentorship, guidance, and role models.

Plans to expand on the 2021 Trails Resolution, which advocates for the construction of trails and park spaces that expand transportation networks and promote economic development.

- Supports youth empowerment programs, which help reduce crime rates and improve academic performance by providing young people with learning opportunities, mentorship, guidance, and role models.
- Plans to expand on the 2021 Trails Resolution, which advocates for the construction of trails and park spaces that expand transportation networks and promote economic development.

Said, "I will ensure efficiency in Planning and Sustainability, ease of permitting, and continue important infrastructure enhancements to create a landscape of success."

Plans to ensure a business-friendly environment to support small businesses and encoruage them to participate in the DeKalb Local Small Business Enterprise Program.

- Said, "I will ensure efficiency in Planning and Sustainability, ease of permitting, and continue important infrastructure enhancements to create a landscape of success."
- Plans to ensure a business-friendly environment to support small businesses and encoruage them to participate in the DeKalb Local Small Business Enterprise Program.

As of June 7, 2025, Lorraine Cochran Johnson’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Plans to fill vacant police positions, raise pay, and expand patrols and undercover operations.

Wants to expand video surveillance system legislation, which requires cameras at gas stations, service stations, and high-risk businesses.

Said, "As your CEO I will create an atmosphere that is harsh on crime and swift on apprehension and punishment through Operation Safe Streets."

- Plans to fill vacant police positions, raise pay, and expand patrols and undercover operations.
- Wants to expand video surveillance system legislation, which requires cameras at gas stations, service stations, and high-risk businesses.
- Said, "As your CEO I will create an atmosphere that is harsh on crime and swift on apprehension and punishment through Operation Safe Streets."

Wants to expand partnerships with organization like Operation HOPE to provide down payment assistance and help for first-time homeowners.

Believes access to affordable housing is a basic human right; plans to create the position of Chief Housing Officer to focus on housing issues.

Plans to increase the availability of rental and single-family housing.

- Wants to expand partnerships with organization like Operation HOPE to provide down payment assistance and help for first-time homeowners.
- Believes access to affordable housing is a basic human right; plans to create the position of Chief Housing Officer to focus on housing issues.
- Plans to increase the availability of rental and single-family housing.

Supports the growth of high capacity transit which Johnson says is "critical to the future of DeKalb."

- Supports the growth of high capacity transit which Johnson says is "critical to the future of DeKalb."

Lorraine Cochran Johnson

The Chief Executive Officer of a county is an elected position that leads the Executive Branch for the county. They have final say on local legislation and great influence over the direction in which their county moves in a wide variety of areas. So much of governing in Georgia happens at the county level, so this position is especially important for your county. Chief Executive Officers also represent their county when interacting with higher forms of government, such as the Georgia General Assembly. Though each county looks a little different, the governing that happens at the county level can have significant impacts on the daily lives of residents in that county. Examples of governing on this level include:
- Budgeting for the county
- Land use planning and urban development
- Zoning for schools and other resources
- Enacting laws at county level
- Completing executive duties

This role does not exist in every county, and there has been discussion for years about reimagining the structure of county government in a way that does not include a county CEO.

DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Runoff, Democratic Primary

Election results

Candidates (2)