Sandy Springs mayoral race draws multiple challengers

Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul is seeking a fourth term in office, but this year’s election could prove to be his most competitive.

All six city council seats, along with the mayor’s, are up for reelection. Among Paul’s four challengers are Councilmembers Jody Reichel and Andy Bauman, who say it’s time for new leadership. Both have raised concerns about stalled redevelopment and whether Sandy Springs is keeping pace with surrounding cities.

“They’ve been part of the decision-making,” Paul said of the council members. “They’ve supported everything we’ve done from a development point of view… There’s not a lot going on anywhere right now unless [bank lending] frees up.”

Paul was first elected in 2013, succeeding Sandy Springs’ founding mayor, Eva Galambos, who encouraged him to run. Galambos passed away in 2015.

Paul had also served on the city’s original council following its incorporation. This December, Sandy Springs will mark its 20th anniversary as a city.

Notable projects under Paul’s leadership include the $225 million City Springs campus, which houses City Hall, the Performing Arts Center, luxury apartments, and restaurants. The city’s new $56 million Police Headquarters and Municipal Complex is set to officially open on April 21.

But redevelopment efforts in the North End have been slow, along with progress on affordable housing and addressing aging apartment complexes.

On Thursday, Paul said he enjoys the work as mayor and believes there’s more to be done.

“I want to finish up what I started,” he said. “I think I’ve got more to offer… I feel like I can still contribute and move the city forward… I think we’re on the verge of some really new exciting things in Sandy Springs.”

Echoing his message from 2021 when he ran for a third term, Paul said he wants to see through the next phase of the City Springs district, which includes more retail, dining, residential units, and a hotel.

Councilman Andy Bauman entered office alongside Paul in 2013 and is co-founder of the Sandy Springs Farmers Market. In a statement announcing his candidacy, he said that the city is at a crossroads.

“We’ve come a long way, but we can’t afford to stand still—and we can’t afford more of the same,” Bauman said in a statement. “We’ve seen too many missed opportunities: stalled redevelopment, vacant office spaces… Meanwhile, other cities are leaning into the future with smart investments and innovative ideas. We should be leading, not lagging behind.”

Councilwoman Jody Reichel, elected to represent District 4 in 2017, argues the city lacks lifestyle options for residents.

“Where do you shop? Where do you go for date night? Where do your kids go to school? Did any of your answers include cities other than Sandy Springs?” she asks on her campaign website.

While Sandy Springs boasts popular restaurants, just a few miles north downtown Roswell and Alpharetta offer visitors a greater variety of walkable, mixed-use environments.

Another challenger is Dontaye Carter, who ran against Paul in 2021. Carter has emphasized the need for city leadership to better reflect the growing diversity of Sandy Springs. On his campaign website, he advocates for stronger support of minority-owned businesses, more affordable and equitable housing, and greater recognition of the city’s diverse population as central to its identity.

The race also includes Alex Somer, a Sandy Springs resident since 2016 and native of Queens, New York. His campaign centers on progressive values and community inclusion. He highlights priorities such as protecting the local library, expanding access to quality education, especially for at-risk students, and preserving parks and green space. Somer also supports greater inclusion of minority communities in city decision-making and sees local government as a key player in improving residents’ everyday lives.