Farokhi’s Bid for Atlanta City Council Falls Short
Future looks bright for the charismatic political upstart
December 2, 2009, Atlanta, GA – In a hard fought battle for the Atlanta City Council’s Post 2 At-large seat, Amir Farokhi’s bid to become the first Iranian American elected to public office in the State of Georgia fell just short in Tuesday’s runoff election.
Unofficial results show former Atlanta School Board President Aaron Watson defeating Farokhi in the December 1st runoff election with a vote differential of approximately 6,900 out of the 72,000 plus ballots cast. Watson led the November 3rd general election with 43 percent of the vote to Farokhi’s 41 percent.
“While I am disappointed, I am unbowed and as committed as ever to working to bring fresh ideas and solutions to Atlanta,” said Farokhi in a statement issued by his campaign. “Significant change does not come easily, particularly when fighting entrenched interests.”
Born and raised in Atlanta, Farokhi is a Principal with the Truman National Security Project, a graduate of Duke University School of Law, and, until recently, an attorney with the law firm of McKenna Long and Aldridge, LLP.
A recognized civic leader and occasional contributor to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Farokhi’s campaign earned more endorsements than anyone in the race. His upbeat message helped put him among the most successful fundraisers in this year’s City Council race.
Farokhi is the face of an emerging leadership within the Iranian American community. As such, his campaign was endorsed and supported by the Iranian American Political Action Committee (IAPAC), the connected PAC of PAAIA, in May of 2009. “IAPAC’s support was tremendously helpful to my campaign because it enabled my campaign to connect with voters across Atlanta,” said Farokhi. “I commend IAPAC and PAAIA for their work promoting the diversity and success of the Iranian American community and supporting Iranian American engagement in public life.”
Farokhi plans on remaining active in Atlanta politics. “I am still in love with the possibilities of Atlanta and I will continue to push for more thoughtful, responsible leadership from our City.”
