NEWTON COUNTY – LeAnne Long will become District 5’s new commissioner after she defeated Democratic challenger Tiijon DaCosta in Tuesday’s election.
Long, who is a longtime Newton County native, led throughout the entire night, garnering 58.89 percent of the vote at 7,212 votes. While DaCosta got over 5,000 votes, he came up short at 41.11 percent.Utilizing her experience of Newton County, Long looked to appeal to her constituents. Her main focus was keeping District 5 rural and controlling the rampant growth that has occurred in the county over the last decade. DaCosta, the youngest challenger in the entire field, looked to bring a different perspective to the board, stressing community engagement in his campaign.
Interestingly, this will not be the first time Long has served on the Board of Commissioners.
Long won a special election in 1998, filling an unexpired term for Eshter Fleming before stepping away from the board in 2000. Her win in 2024 will be her first full-term as a commissioner.
Long will succeed incumbent Ronnie Cowan, who opted not to seek re-election.
The new commissioner-elect expressed her appreciation to her supporters in a statement to The Covington News.
“I can't wait to start working and I'm grateful to all my supporters and my family for all their hard work,” Long said. “A lot of people don't realize how much effort and money it takes to run a successful campaign, while also running a successful business! But I know it's all worth it to achieve our goals and save our County!”
Likewise, DaCosta congratulated Long in a statement sent to The News. He also thanked the District 5 community for having the chance to share his platform.
"For me, this campaign was more than just about winning. It was about showing up for the community I love and giving my all to make a difference. As a first-time candidate, I ran this race with my whole heart. I walked the neighborhoods, knocked on doors, and listened to what people had to say. I connected with people who reminded me why I decided to step into this arena in the first place: to fight for the things that matter and to make sure every voice is heard. To the 5,034 people who believed in me enough to cast their vote thank you. To my team, my family, my friends, and the volunteers who stood by me through the long days and late nights thank you for showing me what community really means. This campaign was powered by you, and I will always be proud of what we built together. Even though we didn’t win this time, I’m not going anywhere. My commitment to District 5 and Newton County is as strong as ever. I believe in working together, lifting each other up, and making sure our community gets what it deserves. This is just the beginning of the work I plan to continue doing for the people who call this place home."
