Branden Whitfield Elected Mayor in Tight Loganville Race

Loganville, GA —  The City of Loganville’s 2025 mayoral election came down to just 125 votes, as residents turned out to choose between two deeply committed community leaders — Branden Whitfield and John R. Soesbe. When the final unofficial results were tallied Tuesday night, Whitfield received 923 votes to Soesbe’s 798, securing the seat as Loganville’s next mayor.

 

While the margin was narrow, both campaigns succeeded in rallying strong neighborhood-level support. The race reflected a community engaged in shaping the city’s future at a time of growth, infrastructure strain, and new opportunities.

 

A Campaign About the City’s Future

For months, the mayoral contest centered on how best to guide Loganville’s next chapter — preserving its small-town feel while managing growth and attracting responsible development. Both candidates shared similar values around community, safety, and fiscal stewardship, but differed slightly in approach and background.

 

Whitfield, a lifelong Loganville resident and local business owner, built his campaign on themes of connection, communication, and vision. Known for his involvement in civic and economic development projects, he emphasized planning for infrastructure improvements, expanding parks and walkability, and fostering collaboration between city government and residents.

 

Soesbe, a longtime Loganville homeowner with a strong background in management and finance, offered a message of accountability and prudent growth. His campaign focused on transparency in city decision-making, maintaining balanced budgets, and supporting first responders and public works as the city continues to grow.

 

Two Distinct Strengths

Whitfield’s experience in local leadership — including previous service with city initiatives and community outreach programs — appealed to voters who favored a candidate with direct involvement in civic affairs. His familiarity with planning processes and local partnerships positioned him as a candidate ready to continue work already underway.

 

Soesbe, meanwhile, earned respect for his methodical and thoughtful approach to problem-solving. His supporters valued his business acumen and reputation for listening carefully to residents. Many voters appreciated that his candidacy added substance and balance to the race, ensuring that major local issues received thorough discussion.

 

Why the Race Was Close

Residents say the closeness of the race speaks to the strength of both campaigns rather than division within the community. Each candidate brought a different leadership style and focus that appealed to distinct segments of the city’s population.

 

For some, Whitfield’s long-term vision for coordinated development and infrastructure resonated strongly. Others were drawn to Soesbe’s pragmatic emphasis on financial responsibility and maintaining essential services during a time of change.

 

Election officials noted that the contest drew steady voter participation despite being a municipal year, highlighting the city’s growing engagement in local governance.

 

Looking Ahead

Following certification of the results, Whitfield will officially take office in January, succeeding outgoing mayor Skip Baliles. His administration will begin as Loganville faces key decisions about downtown revitalization, transportation improvements, and new residential and commercial projects.

 

Observers note that Soesbe’s presence in the race contributed to one of the most substantive mayoral contests in recent memory — one that prioritized ideas and civility over partisanship. His campaign’s detailed discussions of budgets and planning left a lasting impression on many voters and helped set the tone for future elections.

 

As the city prepares for new leadership, residents can expect to see many of the issues raised by both candidates continue to shape the civic agenda in 2026. Whether it’s managing growth, supporting public safety, or preserving Loganville’s sense of community, both Whitfield and Soesbe have left their mark on a campaign that reflected the city’s pride, ambition, and commitment to progress.