Andrea Cooke elected, will ‘work tirelessly’ as District 5 commissioner
Andrea Cooke won the seat for District 5 commissioner, according to unofficial voting numbers from the Macon-Bibb County Board of Elections.
She campaigned against Edward Foster for the seat meant to replace Seth Clark, who left the seat early January. After not securing enough votes in the March elections, a special election was held Tuesday. Cooke received 743 votes, with Foster receiving 313, according to voting numbers from the Macon-Bibb County Board of Elections.
Cooke thanked the voters who elected her, saying she will “work tirelessly to deliver affordable housing, stronger public safety, more good-paying jobs and improved access to mental health care,” according to her news release.
She has advocated for mental health, and holds leadership roles in Macon Mental Health Matters, Friends of Rosa Parks Square, the Macon 200 Bicentennial Committee, Habitat for Humanity, Macon Periods Easier and the Napier Heights Food Co-op, the news release said.
Cooke has worked “directly with families, neighborhoods and community organizations to expand access to services and address root causes of instability,” the news release said.
“This campaign has been about recognizing the diversity of District 5 — and celebrating it, while acknowledging the distinct challenges faced by its residents,” Cooke said. “Together, we will build a community that works for everyone and raises up all our families, so they can get ahead and not just get by.”
‘Congratulations’
After the results were announced, Foster posted on Facebook regarding his loss in the election. He said the “outcome wasn’t what we hoped for,” but he wanted to raise “the real issues facing our community and (make) sure those voices were heard loud and clear,” according to the Facebook post.
“Congratulations to (Cooke) on her victory,” Foster said. “I sincerely hope District 5 sees the leadership and progress it deserves.”
“This is not the end, it’s just the next chapter.”
