Dontaye Carter announced his candidacy for mayor of Sandy Springs on Jan. 19 at the King Center in Atlanta.
In his announcement, Carter shared his vision for a city that prioritizes working families, first responders, and teachers while addressing everyday people’s real challenges.
“Dr. King’s legacy of justice and equality is a guiding force in my life,” Carter said in a news release. “My great-great-grandfather, born into slavery in Selma, couldn’t have imagined his descendants would march with Dr. King and Rep. John Lewis across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Their courage made it possible for me to stand here today, ready to fight for a better future—for my daughter, for your families, and for everyone in Sandy Springs.”
Carter, founder of Carter Media Group, said his campaign is focused on solving the problems that matter most to Sandy Springs’ residents:
- Fair housing for all: Stopping rent hikes and price gouging to protect renters;
- Capping property taxes: Keeping homeowners secure amid rising costs;
- Strengthening communities: Building community centers that unite and empower residents;
- Smart growth: Preventing predatory development while fostering sustainable progress.
In the release, Carter said that mayors should tackle issues that impact people. He said the challenges are clear: first responders and teachers cannot afford homes or rent in Sandy Springs, and rent, property taxes and living costs are rising while corporations get tax breaks. He also called for the city to incentivize corporations to lower costs and reinvest in the community that powers their success.
He has served as the vice chair of the School Governance Council at Dunwoody Springs Elementary, an executive board member of the PTO, and as chair of North Fulton Democrats. He is also the first vice president of the Atlanta NAACP and serves as the communications chair for the Georgia NAACP. In addition, he served as a board member of CURE Childhood Cancer for two years, concluding in 2024.
Carter joins council member Jody Reichel in the race to unseat the incumbent Rusty Paul, who is running for what he says is his final time. Carter previously unsuccessfully ran for mayor against incumbent Paul four years ago.
Carter lives in Sandy Springs with his wife, Dr. Karen Creed, a board-certified OBGYN at Northside Hospital, and their six-year-old daughter, Kyleigh.