Williams Drops Out of Mayor's Race

Brookhaven Mayor Rebecca Chase Williams is dropping out of this November’s mayoral election.

In an email sent out Tuesday morning, Williams said a recent spate of family illnesses is behind her decision.

“I got a slow start to the campaign as I was recovering from kidney surgery in July, and my mother passed away in August,” Williams said. “But my campaign was underway, and I was in it to win it.

“Then, last week my husband, Dick Williams fell and broke his femur. The break was so severe he had to have a hip replacement. The next month is critical in getting my husband back on his feet and making a full recovery.

“My first priority is to take care of my family, especially my husband of 36 years.”

Williams’ departure leaves two candidates in the race: former DeKalb ethics board chairman John Ernst and Dale Boone.

Williams represented District 1 on the city council, and was elected by the council to serve as mayor pro tempore. Then, after former mayor J. Max Davis resigned to run for the state House, Williams was chosen to serve out his term by the council.

Williams then appointed Linley Jones to serve out the rest of Williams’ term as District 1 councilperson.

According to the Brookhaven Post, Williams told Ernst of her decision on Monday.