Littlejohn defeats former city councilman

Political newcomer Jil Littlejohn defeated former city councilman Ray Martin tonight in a special Democratic primary to replace the departed Chandra Dillard in the council district covering much of downtown, Laurens Road and Pleasantburg Drive.

Littlejohn, a member of the city's Community Development Advisory Committee, garnered 282 votes to Martin's 257, according to the county's Democratic Party, which is responsible for the primary.

Martin held the District 3 seat for eight years before being defeated by Dillard, who was elected in November to the state House of Representatives.

Littlejohn is a newcomer to the district, but has been active in civic circles and had the campaign backing of the sitting council Democrats, Diane Smock and Lillian Brock Flemming.

Littlejohn, who grew up in Atlanta, has promised to carry on Dillard's focus on neighborhoods and their needs such as affordable housing, increased safety and youth programs.