Fulton DA seeks seventh term amid controversy

Incumbent faces three lawsuits, ethics inquiry and GBI investigation.

On election night 2000, Paul Howard’s political journey, which had taken him from tiny Midville, population 269, to Emory Law School and then the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, seemed headed for an abrupt end.

He’d made history in 1996 as the first African American elected as a district attorney in Georgia. But now, with more than half the precincts reporting, he trailed GOP opponent John Turner. This in a county with more than two Democratic voters for every one Republican.

“I consider myself lucky,” Howard told supporters at the Hyatt Regency downtown that night. “I am an ordinary person who has had the privilege to serve the people of Fulton County the last four years in an extraordinary position.”

Thenight wasn’t over, though, and neither was Howard’s tenure. The lead changed hands through the early morning hours before Howard triumphed with 54% of the vote. He would run opposed in four successive elections.

His seventh campaign is proving to be his most challenging. Challenger Fani Willis, Howard’s former chief deputy, has raised more money and racked up key endorsements from the Atlanta Police Union, Atlanta City Council President Felicia Moore and former Atlanta City Council member Mary Norwood, now chairwoman of the Buckhead Council of Neighborhoods.

Three past or present female employees have sued Howard, alleging harassment or discrimination. The GBI is investigating his use of a nonprofit to funnel at least $140,000 in city of Atlanta funds to supplement his salary. The state ethics commission accuses him of 12 violations.

Howard says he is confident he’ll be exonerated by the GBI.

Paul Howard