Former Mayor Aims to Rebuild Political Career in Georgia
A former mayor, known for her controversial past, is attempting to kickstart her political career by relocating and switching parties.
On March 11, Tiffany Henyard, who previously served as the Democratic mayor of Dalton, Illinois, announced her move to Fulton County, Georgia, through a video posted on Facebook.
In the video, she confidently states, “You can’t expect change without making change.” She expresses her belief that her opponents and the media are overly focused on her, while also criticizing the “corruption” in her former districts.
Henyard mentions there’s a significant announcement coming soon, leaving viewers curious.
Interestingly, few seemed surprised to learn that Henyard is running for local office again. She is a candidate for Fulton County Commissioner as a Republican, according to state records. She became eligible on March 5 and is listed as a “business owner.”
Competing against her are four other candidates, all of whom are Democrats. Currently, Marvin Arrington Jr., a member of the Democratic Party, occupies the District 5 Commission seat.
The Georgia primary election is set for May 19, 2026.
Henyard emphasizes that Fulton County is in need of fresh leadership, asserting, “Residents are tired. They’re looking for new leaders.” She also mentions the importance of cooperation across party lines.
Despite her ambitions, the Fulton County Republican Party has not commented on her candidacy.
Henyard’s past is marred by scandal, including claims of budget issues during her mayoral stint, allegations of excessive spending, and an FBI investigation that even led to physical altercations at public meetings. Additionally, in the February 2025 Democratic primary, she received only 536 votes out of more than 4,400.
Many locals had mixed reactions to her political troubles, with some openly celebrating her losses. Comments like, “The Wicked Witch of the West is dead!” reflected the sentiment among her detractors.
Earlier this month, a judge ordered her to pay $10,000 to her former landlord for missing a court appearance regarding a rental dispute in Illinois. Her lawyer claims she was out of state at the time and denies any wrongdoing.
