Former Candidate for District Attorney

James Chafin is a former candidate for District Attorney of the Western Circuit, which includes both Athens-Clarke and Oconee counties.

Party Affiliation

Chafin ran as a non-partisan candidate, meaning he had no official party affiliation. However, he has a Republican voting history and was listed in the Democratic party’s VoteBuilder database as a “strong Republican.”

Signature Issues

Being “Tough” on Crime – Chafin promised on his website to be “tough” on violent crime and prosecute violent felons to the “fullest extent of the law.”

Rehabilitation Workshops – Chafin wanted to provide support to first time, non-violent offenders to help them expunge the offense from their records.

Election Results

2020 Special Election

Deborah Gonzalez (D) – 48.4%
James Chafin – 35.0%
Brian Patterson (D) – 16.7%

2020 Special Election Runoff

Deborah Gonzalez (D) – 51.7%
James Chafin – 48.3.%

Experience

Chafin touted his experience as a prosecutor in the District Attorney’s office, where he had served for 14 years. He was the Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney of the Western Circuit. This was the first time Chafin had run for political office.