Ed Tolley Enters Race for Athens-Clarke County District 7 Commission Seat
On Monday, Ed Tolley, a prominent local attorney and former president of the Clarke County Board of Education, officially declared his candidacy for the District 7 seat on the Athens-Clarke County Commission.
In a press statement, Tolley emphasized his campaign’s focus on “solutions-driven representation” for the district, which includes Timothy Road and Beechwood Hills neighborhoods. His campaign platform highlights traffic safety concerns and his commitment to supporting community policing, first responders, and the sustainable development of affordable housing and infrastructure in the area.
“Athens has given me so much throughout my life and career. Now it’s my turn to give back in a new way — by serving District 7 with honesty, accountability, and respect. Together, we can keep our neighborhoods safe, ensure Athens remains a livable community for every generation, and work to unite people around shared goals rather than divisions,” Tolley expressed in his announcement.
With deep roots in Athens, where he has resided all his life, Tolley is a graduate of the University of Georgia and has over five decades of legal practice as a founding partner at Cook & Tolley, LLP. His extensive service record includes positions such as chair of the Georgia Judicial Qualifications Commission and as a retired officer in the U.S. Army Reserve.
The elections for the odd-numbered Commission seats, along with the mayoral race, are scheduled for May 2026.
