Marietta’s Near Miss: Sam Foster’s Impactful Mayoral Bid

In a race that captivated Marietta, 24-year-old IT specialist Sam Foster came within a razor-thin 87 votes of making history, challenging four-term incumbent Mayor Steve “Thunder” Tumlin. Foster’s campaign, though ultimately unsuccessful, ignited conversations and showcased a shifting political landscape in Cobb County, reflecting a dynamic appetite for change and new leadership.

A New Voice for Marietta

Sam Foster, a political newcomer, sought to become Marietta’s youngest and first Black mayor in the city’s 190-year history. His unexpected strong showing against the 78-year-old Tumlin, who has served four terms, underscores a growing desire for fresh perspectives in local governance. Just a day after the election, Foster reflected on the narrow margin, asking himself, “What if?”—a question echoing the sentiments of many supporters.

The Thrillingly Close Election

The final vote count revealed the intensity of the contest: Mayor Tumlin secured 6,762 votes (50.3%), while Foster garnered 6,675 votes (49.7%). This difference, amounting to just 87 votes citywide, or roughly seven votes per precinct, highlighted the remarkable effort of Foster’s five-month campaign sprint.

Foster’s Campaign and Key Issues

Foster’s platform emphasized sustainable and inclusive growth for Marietta, advocating for greater housing mobility, rapid-bus transit, reduced living costs, and expanded density. He entered the race with a clear vision, holding leaders accountable for long-delayed public transit promises and addressing the city’s housing affordability crisis. His campaign manager, Andrew Heaton of Sagamores Consulting, noted that Foster ran a principal-based race, surprising many with his seriousness and command of policy despite his youth.

Having moved to Marietta in 2019 to study information technology at Kennesaw State University, Foster quickly immersed himself in the community. He spent countless hours attending City Council and Commission meetings, listening to residents’ questions, and advocating for change. His connection to the community deepened through carpools and bus rides, highlighting his understanding of local needs and frustrations, particularly concerning expensive housing and transit issues.

Marietta’s Shifting Political Landscape

Foster’s performance, especially in non-white precincts and areas with younger voters, signals a broader political shift in Marietta and Cobb County. While the county has seen demographic changes and elected more diverse leaders, including Black mayors in Powder Springs and Mableton, and three Black members on the Cobb County Commission, Marietta itself has not seen as much political upheaval.

The strong Democratic performance in presidential elections in Cobb County also underscores this trend; Joe Biden carried Cobb by 8.65% in 2024, building on a 14-point margin in 2020, and Hillary Clinton won the county by eight points earlier. This electoral momentum suggests an increasing openness to candidates like Foster who champion progressive policies and a fresh approach.

What’s Next for Sam Foster and Marietta?

Despite the loss, Foster’s advisor believes his vision for public service remains intact. Foster continues his work with the “Better A City Council,” a non-profit he co-founded to promote civic engagement and community improvement in Cobb County. While he hasn’t committed to another run for office, the impact of his first campaign is undeniable. He told the American Journal-Constitution, “I got a dogfight out of [Tumlin].”

His presence on social media, using humorous videos and heartfelt posts, drew attention and challenged the status quo. One viral post highlighting Marietta’s Juneteenth holiday garnered significant recognition, prompting discussions about age and tradition versus new ideas. As Foster reflected, “It’s not just about me. It’s about the people who believed in how close I was.”

FAQs About the Marietta Mayoral Race

• Who is Sam Foster?
  Sam Foster is a 24-year-old IT specialist and political newcomer who ran for mayor of Marietta, Georgia, seeking to become the city’s youngest and first Black mayor.
• What was the outcome of the mayoral election?
  Foster narrowly lost to four-term incumbent Mayor Steve “Thunder” Tumlin by just 87 votes, with Tumlin receiving 50.3% and Foster 49.7% of the vote.
• What issues did Sam Foster advocate for?
  Foster’s platform focused on sustainable and inclusive growth, greater housing mobility, rapid-bus transit expansion, reducing living costs, and increasing housing density in Marietta.
• What does this election signify for Marietta?
  The close race highlights a potential shift in Marietta’s political landscape, signaling a growing appetite among some voters for new leadership and progressive policies, mirroring broader demographic changes in Cobb County.

Sam Foster’s impressive debut in Marietta politics, even in defeat, has undeniably set the stage for future conversations about the city’s direction and the power of a passionate, community-focused campaign.

Young Foster Nearly Wins Marietta Mayor Race