Branden Whitfield, a third-generation Loganville native and respected Main Street business owner, has announced his candidacy for Mayor of Loganville for the upcoming 2025 election.

With deep civic roots, Whitfield champions preserving Loganville’s small-town community spirit while focusing on stronger safety, modernized infrastructure, and walkable neighborhoods.

A Kennesaw State business graduate and former City Council member, Whitfield also serves on local boards and brings years of experience in city development and municipal training.

His campaign highlights include expanding sidewalks and trails, making downtown the city’s vibrant heart, and fostering citywide collaboration through regular planning retreats.

Grassroots initiatives—such as the Heart mascot program, Mayor’s Reading Club, town scavenger hunts, and Loganville 101 classes—aim to spark local pride and increase citizen involvement instantly.

Whitfield invites residents to reach out directly, promising his campaign website will offer more details and stressing the power of unity: “With togetherness, we all succeed.”

Loganville’s municipal election slate is set as the qualifying deadline passes, promising an energetic race this November.

Longtime Mayor Skip Baliles will not seek re-election, opening the way for a new leader.

Current Councilman Branden Whitfield squares off against John Soesbe for the mayor’s seat, each hoping to guide the city’s future.

Five candidates vie for three at-large city council posts: Melanie Long (incumbent), Wesley Johnson, Toyin Wakil Olaoluwa, Joseph Bastian, and Joanne Byrne.

Councilwoman Anne Huntsinger is stepping away, while Whitfield’s run for mayor leaves his seat open.

Key election dates include the voter registration deadline on October 6, early voting from October 14, and Election Day on November 4.

All Walton County voters use regular precincts; Gwinnett residents within city limits vote at the Rock Gym/Ag Building downtown.

This election will shape Loganville’s path for years to come.

Walton County law enforcement has received a major safety boost with the arrival of a new armored personnel carrier, valued at over $300,000.

The Walton County Health Care Foundation contributed $150,000 toward the purchase, with the rest funded by the sheriff’s office’s special tax fund—not local property taxes.

Executive Director Ben Garrett said the investment aligns perfectly with the foundation’s mission to support public safety and health.

The new vehicle replaces an earlier model that was removed due to federal demilitarization efforts, leaving the sheriff’s department feeling exposed.

Though former Sheriff Joe Chapman initiated the purchase, Sheriff Keith Brooks welcomed the much-needed vehicle after a two-year wait, praising Chapman’s foresight.

Brooks emphasized the community’s safety, noting the APC can now help deputies safely manage high-risk incidents.

This acquisition ensures the county’s deputies—and residents—are better protected for years to come.