LaDena Bolton

LaDena Bolton

Democratic Party

Candidate, DeKalb County Commission District 7

DeKalb County Commission District 7

Tenure

2025 - Present

Term ends

2027

Years in position

1

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Report an officeholder change

Elections and appointments

Last election

December 3, 2024

Next election

May 19, 2026

Education

Bachelor's

Savannah State University, 2006

Graduate

Clark Atlanta University, 2014

Personal

Religion

Christian

Profession

Chemist

Contact

Personal Facebook

Personal X

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Personal LinkedIn

LaDena Bolton (Democratic Party) is a member of the DeKalb County Commission in Georgia, representing District 7. She assumed office on January 1, 2025. Her current term ends on January 1, 2027.

Bolton (Democratic Party) is running for re-election to the DeKalb County Commission to represent District 7 in Georgia. She is on the ballot in the Democratic primary on May 19, 2026.^[source]

Biography

LaDena Bolton was born in the Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. She earned her undergraduate degree from Savannah State University in May 2006 and her graduate degree from Clark Atlanta University in May 2014. Her professional experience includes working as a chemist.

Elections

2026

See also: Municipal elections in DeKalb County, Georgia (2026)

General election

The primary will occur on May 19, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026. General election candidates will be added here following the primary.

Democratic primary

Democratic primary for DeKalb County Commission District 7

Incumbent LaDena Bolton (D), Jacqueline Adams (D), and Oneka Willabus (D) are running in the Democratic primary for DeKalb County Commission District 7 on May 19, 2026.

		Candidate
		LaDena Bolton
		Jacqueline Adams
		Oneka Willabus

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
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Republican primary

The Republican primary scheduled for May 19, 2026, was canceled.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.

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

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	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.
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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

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	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.
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Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Bolton in this election.

2020

See also: Georgia House of Representatives elections, 2020

General election

General election for Georgia House of Representatives District 86

Zulma Lopez won election in the general election for Georgia House of Representatives District 86 on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Zulma Lopez (D)	100.0	23,209

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 23,209
= 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.

Democratic primary runoff election

Democratic primary runoff for Georgia House of Representatives District 86

Zulma Lopez defeated incumbent Michele Henson in the Democratic primary runoff for Georgia House of Representatives District 86 on August 11, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Zulma Lopez	54.9	3,082
		Michele Henson	45.1	2,534

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 5,616
= 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.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Georgia House of Representatives District 86

Incumbent Michele Henson and Zulma Lopez advanced to a runoff. They defeated LaDena Bolton and Joscelyn O'Neil in the Democratic primary for Georgia House of Representatives District 86 on June 9, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Michele Henson	41.2	4,642
✔		Zulma Lopez	29.8	3,355
		LaDena Bolton	18.7	2,105
		Joscelyn O'Neil	10.4	1,171

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 11,273
= 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.

Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

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Campaign website

Bolton's campaign website stated the following:

OUR COMMUNITY VISION

DeKalb County has been ranked among the best places to do business. As Super District 7 Commissioner, I will work to help us also become amongst the best places to raise a family. My 10 years of experience advocating for DeKalb families, working in corporate America and serving in government has taught me that we can achieve this by prioritizing safer neighborhoods, quality of life and county services.

Safer Neighborhoods

Our platform aims to create a holistic, community-centered approach to safety, where everyone works together to build a secure and supportive environment. It is a bilateral approach that includes investing in our public safety officers and creating an environment where they can be successful. My approach as County Commissioner is to implement crime prevention strategies, improve code enforcement accountability and prioritize mental health management.

The Plan

Here is a summary of our platform to improve safety in our neighborhoods:

​

• Law Enforcement Collaboration: Strengthen partnerships between law enforcement agencies and community members through regular meetings, transparency, and accountability.

​

• Emergency Services: Ensure quick and effective response times by improving the infrastructure and training of E911 and other emergency services.

​

• Crime Prevention Programs: Implement neighborhood watch programs, youth engagement activities, and community policing strategies to prevent crime before it happens.

​

• Infrastructure Improvements: Enhance lighting in public areas, maintain clean and accessible public spaces, and install surveillance systems where needed.

​

• Education and Awareness: Conduct safety workshops and educational programs to raise awareness about safety practices and crime prevention.

​

• Support Services: Provide resources and support for victims of crime, including counseling services, legal assistance, and rehabilitation programs.

​

• Technology and Innovation: Use modern technology such as smart apps for reporting incidents, data analysis for identifying crime hotspots, and community alert systems.

​

• Inclusivity: Ensure all community members feel safe and included, focusing on marginalized groups and promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives.

​

• Mental Health Management: Reduce recidivism and first time offender incidences by investing in mental health management services for inmates and students by partnering with the sheriff's office and DeKalb schools, respectively.

Quality of Life

Improving quality of life isn't just about ticking off items from a list, it's about fostering a community where DeKalb residents feel connected, valued and capable of thriving. As Commissioner, I will create a comprehensive approach that includes various interconnected elements including addressing our water insecurities, affordable housing deficit and transportation challenges. 

The Plan

Here is a summary of our platform to improve quality of life in DeKalb:

​

• Environmental Justice: Ensuring access to clean water by auditing our water billing process and implementing strategies to diagnose billing, distribution and quality concerns

​

• Affordable Housing: Providing access to affordable housing by establishing an affordable housing trust, advisory committee of experts and programs to educate residents on how to transition from renters to homeowners.

​

• Economic Opportunities: Encouraging local business development, job creation, and providing support for entrepreneurship.

​

• Social Connections: Building a strong sense of community through events, shared spaces, and encouraging volunteerism and civic engagement.

​

• Infrastructure and Accessibility: Ensuring equitable distribution of SPLOST II funds for infrastructure projects including road resurfacing, paving and safety improvements. Enhancing public transportation by renegotiating MARTA contracts to include improvements in a variety of modes including light rail, BRT and para transit services.

​

• Environment and Sustainability: Promoting environmental sustainability through green spaces, clean energy initiatives, and waste management programs.​​

County Services

Our small businesses are the backbone of our community and the diversity of our residents are the primary reasons DeKalb has been targeted for economic development and growth. That's why we must streamline permit processes, provide efficient public services and implement sustainable practices to improve DeKalb's service delivery. Together, these elements aim to create a supportive, efficient and sustainable environment that benefits both businesses and residents alike. 

The Plan

Here is a summary of our platform to enhance county services for both businesses and residents:

​

• Streamlined Permit Processes: Simplify and expedite permit and licensing processes to support new businesses and residential developments.​

​

• Business Support Programs: Offer resources such as grants, low-interest loans, and advisory services to help small businesses grow and thrive.

​

• Efficient Public Services: Ensure reliable waste management, public transportation, and utilities services to enhance quality of life.

​​

• Digital Access: Develop user-friendly online platforms for accessing county services, from property tax payments to business applications. Launch a unified database that simplifies the process for residents to report concerns and receive updates including clear timelines for processing requests and real-time tracking of progress to improve transparency.

​

• Community Engagement: Foster open communication channels between county officials and residents through town hall meetings, surveys, and feedback portals.

​

• Infrastructure Investments: Improve and maintain essential infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public facilities, to support economic development.

​

• Education and Workforce Training: Collaborate with educational institutions to provide workforce training programs that meet the needs of local businesses.

​

• Sustainable Practices: Promote green initiatives such as renewable energy projects, recycling programs, and sustainable building practices.​

— LaDena Bolton's campaign website (March 14, 2026)

Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

2024

LaDena Bolton did not complete Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

2020

LaDena Bolton completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Bolton's responses.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Dr. LaDena Bolton was raised in DeKalb County, where her family has served in the community for over 25 years. LaDena is a proud wife, mother of 3 sons, award-winning chemist and community advocate. During her matriculation through Savannah State University and Clark Atlanta University, she observed the need to prepare our scholars for both college and career readiness. As unemployed college graduates, Dr. Bolton and her husband, Dr. Bolton II, saw the value in community involvement as a means to identify career opportunities for struggling families. Therefore, in 2014, they launched the Bolton Legacy Scholarship to support college students interested in restoring and sustaining underserved areas. Candidate Bolton seeks to broaden her commitment to serving her community by running for State Representative. She plans to implement initiatives that protect our families by supporting education, justice and community reform.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Dr. LaDena Bolton is the best candidate to articulate the concerns of our community because she is the only candidate that was raised in DeKalb County and is currently raising her family here.
• What makes Dr. Bolton an extraordinary candidate is that she has committed her adult career to serving our country as a chemist. In this role, she has addressed our countries most significant issues including energy sustainability, health disparities and national security.
• LaDena Bolton is no stranger to advocating for our community. She has served on the boards of several non profit organizations that seek to improve the lives of our neighbors. In addition, Mrs. Bolton volunteers with social, political and civic organizations such as DeKalb NAACP, DeKalb Democrats and Sigma Gamma Rho sorority.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

LaDena Bolton believes that all Georgians deserve access not only to superior education, but also a toolkit of skills to acquire a sustainable career. She will fight to expand programs that fund college and career readiness for our students.

Over policed, Under served and Under paid is the formula for a broken safety system. Bolton is committed to increasing Georgia's investment in public safety, so we can obtain and retain good public service officials.

In 2019, there was a 13% increase in homelessness across Georgia. LaDena will partner with our local leaders to secure quality affordable housing initiatives that protect our families.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

There are many leaders that Dr. LaDena Bolton admires for different reasons as it pertains to various areas of her life. Most recently, LaDena has begun to study the character and quality of service exuded by the current Mayor of Atlanta, Keisha Lance Bottoms. Bolton admires Mayor Lance Bottoms' ability to persevere through personal struggles and her commitment to serving the people in her community with humility and compromise. Most of all, LaDena appreciates that the Mayor is an active advocate for the people. There is no room for complacency in her will to do service. Not to mention, she is able to do this while caring for her school aged children. She is a great role model for young women and leaders everywhere.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Leaders are elected by their communities to identify their issues, articulate their concerns and clear paths to resolution. Elected office was designed by the people, for the people.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

On September 11, 2001 LaDena was the average seventeen year old senior in high school. She woke that morning and headed to school like she did any other day. Shortly after arriving, LaDena knew that her life and the lives of students all over the country would never be the same. They sat barricaded on the senior hall as they watched one... then two... airplanes crash into the World Trade center on the classroom television.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

LaDena Bolton started her first job in the summer of 2001 during the summer before her senior year at Avondale High School. She worked as a cashier at Wendy's in North Dekalb mall. LaDena remained a faithful employee through her sophomore year at Savannah State University, working every summer and holiday vacation.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Betty Boop

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

It may be beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics, but it is not mandatory by any means. There are pros and cons to having prior experience. For example, having experience may narrow the candidates perspective on change and progress because he or she is accustomed to doing things a particular way. However, having experience reduces the learning curve and may potentially permit the candidate to settle into the role more quickly. This is highly dependent on the extent (not the length of time) of the prior experience.

What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?

In recent years, balancing the budget has been particularly challenging and the devastation caused by the corona virus pandemic will certainly add to those challenges. In line with the former, identifying a healthcare plan that will service more Georgians will remain a priority, especially for those in rural communities.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Building relationships with other legislators should be a priority. In any work environment, productivity and efficiency is higher when working relationships are actively pursued and maintained. Relationships permit compromise, builds on individual strengths and makes for a more pleasant working environment.

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.

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