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Kenneth Chung Royal
From Ballotpedia
This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.
Kenneth Chung Royal (Democratic Party) ran in a special election to the DeKalb County Commission to represent District 7 in Georgia. He lost in the special general election on November 5, 2024.
Royal completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Kenneth Chung Royal was born in Miami, Florida. He graduated from Metter High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from Georgia Southern University in 2022. His career experience includes working in human resources and law enforcement.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: Municipal elections in DeKalb County, Georgia (2024)
General runoff election
Special general runoff election for DeKalb County Commission District 7
LaDena Bolton defeated Jacqueline Adams in the special general runoff election for DeKalb County Commission District 7 on December 3, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | LaDena Bolton (D) | 70.3 | 9,631 |
 | Jacqueline Adams (D) | 29.7 | 4,065 | |
| Total votes: 13,696 | |||
 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
General election
Special general election for DeKalb County Commission District 7
Jacqueline Adams and LaDena Bolton advanced to a runoff. They defeated Demetrius McCoy and Kenneth Chung Royal in the special general election for DeKalb County Commission District 7 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Jacqueline Adams (D) | 46.0 | 72,957 |
| ✔ | | LaDena Bolton (D) | 26.2 | 41,609 |
 | Demetrius McCoy (D) | 19.4 | 30,752 | |
 | Kenneth Chung Royal (D) | 8.4 | 13,365 | |
| Total votes: 158,683 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Royal in this election.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Kenneth Chung Royal completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Royal's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I’m a dedicated advocate for progress and unity in DeKalb County, and a candidate for DeKalb County Commissioner for District 7. I’m a husband, father of three, and a proud son of Jamaican immigrants. I’m deeply committed to enhancing public safety, improving infrastructure, promoting balanced economic growth, and ensuring affordable housing for DeKalb County residents. With a background in human resources, financial sales, and law enforcement, I bring a well-rounded skill set and a commitment to transparency and accountability to the Board of Commissioners.
- Commitment to Public Safety – I believe that public safety is essential for our community’s well-being. My experience in law enforcement uniquely positions me to understand and address the challenges of keeping our neighborhoods safe while fostering positive relationships between our community and law enforcement.
- Infrastructure and Balanced Growth – Investing in infrastructure that meets our current needs and supports future growth is a top priority. I’m committed to balanced economic development that attracts business, supports local jobs, and protects our community’s unique character.
- Affordable Housing and Community Support – Affordable housing is critical for a thriving community. I will champion policies that ensure housing options for all income levels, making DeKalb County a place where all families can find a secure and affordable home.
I’m passionate about policies related to public safety, infrastructure, economic growth, and affordable housing. These areas form the foundation of my campaign and are crucial to fostering a safe, vibrant, and inclusive DeKalb County. I believe that, together, we can create a community where residents feel secure, where infrastructure supports growth, and where housing is affordable and accessible.
As the representative for District 7, the commissioner plays a vital role in balancing urban and suburban interests within DeKalb County, helping to shape policy decisions that impact economic growth, safety, and infrastructure. The office uniquely bridges the needs of diverse communities, advocating on their behalf and ensuring their voices are represented in county decisions.
I look up to my parents, who came to this country as Jamaican immigrants and worked tirelessly to provide a better life for our family. Their hard work, determination, and commitment to integrity inspire me daily. I strive to follow their example by staying grounded, helping others, and ensuring my work benefits the community.
I would recommend "The Audacity of Hope" by Barack Obama. It captures the spirit of public service, the importance of unity, and the commitment to finding common ground, which resonates with my philosophy on leadership and governance.
An elected official should exemplify integrity, transparency, and accountability. They should serve with a strong sense of duty, genuinely listening to their constituents, making decisions based on community needs, and always striving for equity and fairness. A good official leads with both vision and humility, prioritizing the common good over personal or political gain.
I bring integrity, transparency, and a commitment to accountability. I have a strong background in human resources and finance, and my experience in law enforcement has taught me the importance of safety and community trust. My people skills and dedication to listening make me a responsive leader, and my focus on balanced, thoughtful solutions helps me approach complex issues effectively.
The core responsibilities include ensuring public safety, advocating for infrastructure improvements, and fostering balanced economic development that benefits all residents. Additionally, a commissioner should work to make affordable housing accessible, enhance the quality of life, and maintain transparency and accountability in government decisions, building trust with the community.
I would like to leave a legacy of positive change and a reputation for transparency and accountability. I hope to be remembered as someone who truly listened, who worked tirelessly to make a difference, and who brought our community together to create a better future. My goal is to ensure DeKalb County is a place where all residents feel heard, safe, and supported.
One of the earliest historical events I remember is Hurricane Andrew in 1992. I was about 11 years old, and it made a lasting impression on me. Seeing the resilience and determination of the community in the aftermath of the hurricane taught me the strength we find in unity, and it still inspires my dedication to building stronger, more resilient communities.
My first job was as a bag boy in Miami, Florida, at the age of 12. I bagged groceries for tips and quickly learned the value of hard work and customer service. This experience taught me the importance of connecting with people and putting in effort to achieve goals. It was a foundation that has carried over into everything I’ve done since, from my roles in corporate HR and finance to my current pursuit of public service.
My favorite book is You Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins. It’s an inspiring story of resilience, mental toughness, and overcoming obstacles. Goggins’ journey has taught me that we are capable of much more than we think, as long as we push through our limits and stay focused. This book has motivated me to bring that same determination to my personal and professional life, especially in my dedication to serving DeKalb County.
Atticus Finch - To Kill a Mockingbird
The last song that got stuck in my head was Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds.” Its message about positivity and not worrying resonates with me, reminding me to stay hopeful and keep moving forward, especially when times get tough.
A personal struggle has been balancing work and family life while dedicating time to community service. With three children and a busy professional life, managing my time can be challenging. But my family and community drive me, so I’m committed to making it work because I want to leave a better world for the next generation.
The role holds considerable influence in zoning and land-use decisions, which can shape community development and directly impact housing affordability, business opportunities, and green space preservation. These powers allow the commissioner to significantly influence the county's growth trajectory and community character.
While previous experience in government or politics is valuable, especially for understanding processes and navigating systems, I also believe that professional experience in fields like HR, finance, and community advocacy is equally beneficial. These skills bring fresh perspectives and practical solutions that can drive meaningful change.
A successful commissioner should have strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Experience in budgeting, human resources, and public administration is particularly valuable, as is an understanding of law enforcement and public safety. Effective commissioners also excel at community engagement and consensus-building.
The DeKalb County Commissioner’s office is uniquely positioned to directly impact residents' daily lives. From infrastructure to public safety and housing, the office oversees decisions that shape community well-being and quality of life. By being accessible and responsive, a commissioner can foster a true partnership with the community, ensuring that policies reflect their needs and aspirations.
Did you hear about the restaurant on the moon? Great food, no atmosphere!
Financial transparency is critical for building trust with the public. Elected officials should be open about how public funds are allocated and ensure spending reflects the community’s priorities. Government accountability is equally essential—it’s about taking responsibility for actions, delivering on promises, and being transparent about both successes and challenges.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on November 11, 2024
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