Nationwide — Jayden Williams, who became Georgia’s youngest mayor at 22, has been removed from office in Stockbridge just 10 months after taking the position. The Stockbridge City Council voted to remove him after an investigation into his use of city funds and sexually suggestive communications with an 18-year-old high school student. He took office in January 2026 after winning the mayoral election while attending Clark Atlanta University. His administration later came under review after city officials flagged spending made with a city-issued purchasing card and questions about his use of a city vehicle. The council restricted some of his official privileges on July 17 while the investigation continued.
According to the New York Post, the spending investigation focused on more than $4,000 in purchases that officials said were for personal use, including restaurant meals, clothing, haircuts, and a movie. Records also showed about $2,600 spent on gas, along with allegations that a city vehicle was used for personal trips. Williams said he did not knowingly use public money for personal expenses. He testified that his city card looked similar to his personal card, said he repaid the money and replaced the cards to avoid future confusion.
The council also reviewed Williams’ online communications with an 18-year-old male high school student. Police found sexually suggestive messages and explicit images but did not charge Williams with a crime because the student was legally an adult under Georgia law. Police instead referred the matter for administrative review because of concerns about the nature of the communications and the student’s connection to a city-affiliated program.
Williams disputed parts of the investigation. He said he met the student before he became mayor and that their online communication took place before he was sworn into office. He also said the student did not take part in the city’s “Mayor for a Day” program, which he said was not a mentorship program. His attorney has challenged the city’s actions and said Williams plans to pursue legal options. Williams was never criminally charged over the communications.
The council reached its decision after a hearing that lasted nearly 10 hours, ending Williams’ short time as mayor. Mayor Pro Tem Elton Alexander will serve as interim mayor while Stockbridge prepares for a special election. Williams also has the option to appeal the decision in Henry County Superior Court, leaving the next stage of the dispute to the courts and the city’s election process.