Cobb commission candidates endorsed by ex-county leaders Archives

Cobb commission candidates endorsed by ex-county leaders

The two Republicans vying in the District 3 primary for Cobb Board of Commissioners have been touting some high-profile endorsements as early voting continues.

They’re both private citizens now, but former Cobb County Communications Director Ross Cavitt (left in above photo montage) has come out in favor of Chris Wasserman.

He’s a business owner and first-time candidate for public office who’s challenging four-term incumbent Commissioner JoAnn Birrell.

She’s picked up the support of former Cobb Police Chief Stuart VanHoozer.

Cavitt, who was in his post for eight years until retiring in January, said he is backing Wasserman because “Chris seems genuinely interested in serving the people of Cobb County, and District 3 residents in particular. He has a keen interest in Cobb’s future and the issues that affect our community.”

Cavitt further said on his personal Facebook account on Sunday that “District 3 is long overdue for new leadership,” but he didn’t elaborate. Instead, he said Wasserman will be a fiscally responsible voice who will fight to ensure District 3 receives its fair share of county services and investment — not advocate for costly projects in other districts” and that he has “no hidden agenda.”

Cavitt campaigned with Wasserman at an event Thursday at East Cobb Park.

VanHoozer retired as Cobb Police Chief in 2025, just as the new Precinct 6 station opened in Northeast Cobb. He said in a video announcement in late April that Birrell is “kind, genuine and deeply committed to this community.

“As a commissioner she just doesn’t talk about supporting public safety. She shows up and supports all aspects of the job.”

VanHoozer also referenced Birrell’s support of the military, and the Cobb Veterans Memorial project (whose funding Wasserman has criticized), as well as funding for a police K-9 kennel.

“She’s always supported pay and benefits for public safety,” VanHoozer said. “JoAnn Birrell loves the people of Cobb County and she represents us with heart.”

Birrell also announced on her campaign’s Facebook page Thursday that she’s been endorsed by Marietta Mayor Steve “Thunder” Tumlin and former State Sen. Lindsey Tippins.

District 3 includes most of East Cobb. The winner of the Republican primary on May 19 (you can read profiles of Birrell and Wasserman at the links below) will face Democrat Kevin Redmon in November.

Redmon said on Thursday his campaign has raised more than $65,000 for the general election.

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