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Kirkland is originally from Ohio. He graduated from Duluth High School and received his bachelor's degree in political science from Georgia State University. He lives in Duluth with his wife and their son.

Kirkland is a partner at Residential Group Inc, where he has been since 2022. He previously worked as an environmental project manager at the Georgia Department of Transportation, an urban planning technician at Jacobs Engineering Group, and a legislative aide to Georgia Senate Minority Leader Steve Henson. 

Kirkland Dion Carden is currently the County Commissioner in Gwinnett County Commission District 1. He was elected in 2020 and is serving his first term. He previously served as City Council Member for the City of Duluth from 2018 to 2020. 

As County Commissioner, opened warming shelters and created a community navigator to help people find social services and assistance.

- As County Commissioner, opened warming shelters and created a community navigator to help people find social services and assistance.

Public Services

As County Commissioner, expanded paid parental leave and raised wages for county employees.

As County Commissioner, supported the $23 million purchase of 39 acres of the Gwinnett Place Mall.

- As County Commissioner, expanded paid parental leave and raised wages for county employees.
- As County Commissioner, supported the $23 million purchase of 39 acres of the Gwinnett Place Mall.

Economy

As of March 23, 2024, Kirkland Dion Carden’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Education

Advocates for more police officers, transparency, and accountability in local law enforcement.

As County Commissioner, created a citizens’ police advisory board and the Behavior Health Unit to improve police interactions with those who need mental health services.

Said, "It’s also time for key criminal justice reforms, such as reforming our outdated marijuana ordinance in a way that small amounts of marijuana will not completely destroy lives."

- Advocates for more police officers, transparency, and accountability in local law enforcement.
- As County Commissioner, created a citizens’ police advisory board and the Behavior Health Unit to improve police interactions with those who need mental health services.
- Said, "It’s also time for key criminal justice reforms, such as reforming our outdated marijuana ordinance in a way that small amounts of marijuana will not completely destroy lives."

Public Safety

Advocates for a housing plan with more affordable housing options in new developments and encourage senior housing options.

Supports "expanding the homestead exemption which would put money back into the pockets of Gwinnett homeowners."

- Advocates for a housing plan with more affordable housing options in new developments and encourage senior housing options.
- Supports "expanding the homestead exemption which would put money back into the pockets of Gwinnett homeowners."

Housing & Urban Development

Plans to develop transportation plans that improve mobility and reduce congestion.

Said, "Many have to drive on busy highways and spend more time in traffic than at home with their families. We must address our transportation problems so that more employers choose Gwinnett, effectively boosting our community."

- Plans to develop transportation plans that improve mobility and reduce congestion.
- Said, "Many have to drive on busy highways and spend more time in traffic than at home with their families. We must address our transportation problems so that more employers choose Gwinnett, effectively boosting our community."

Transportation & Infrastructure

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Kirkland Dion Carden

Kirkland is originally from Ohio. He graduated from Duluth High School and received his bachelor's degree in political science from Georgia State University. He lives in Duluth with his wife Adrienne and their son.

Kirkland Dion Carden is currently tthe County Commissioner in Gwinnett County Commission District 1. He was elected in 2020 and is serving his first term. He previously served as City Council Member for the City of Duluth from 2018 to 2020. 

- As County Commissioner, he opened warming shelters and created a community navigator to help people find social services and assistance.

- As County Commissioner, he expanded paid parental leave and raised wages for county employees.
- As County Commissioner, he supported the $23 million purchase of 39 acres of the Gwinnett Place Mall.

- Advocates for more police officers, transparency, and accountability in local law enforcement.
- As County Commissioner, he created a citizens’ police advisory board and the Behavior Health Unit to improve police interactions with those who need mental health services.
- Said, "It’s also time for key criminal justice reforms, such as reforming our outdated marijuana ordinance in a way that small amounts of marijuana will not completely destroy lives."

- Advocates for a housing plan with more affordable housing options in new developments and encourage senior housing options.
- Candidate's website said, "He supports expanding the homestead exemption which would put money back into the pockets of Gwinnett homeowners."

AJC/ACC Voter Guide - Local & Legislative Questionnaire

Carden is from Ohio and graduated from Duluth High School. He holds an associate's degree in audio engineering from the Art Institute of Atlanta and a bachelor's degree in political science and government from Georgia State University. He is a father and has one son. He served as a volunteer on Duluth’s Zoning Board of Appeals, Citizens Budget Advisory Committee, Fall Festival, amongst other organizations. He currently serves on the Gwinnett Visitors and Convention Bureau and the Audit Committee. 

Carden is a Partner with The Residential Group Inc, a housing development company. He previously worked for the Georgia Department of Transportation as an Environmental Project Manager and Transportation Planner, and as an Urban Planner. 

Kirkland Dion Carden is the County Commissioner in Gwinnet County for District 1. He was elected to this position in in 2020. and has served for one term. Carden also served on the Duluth City Council as a member. He was elected to this position in 2018, and served for two years. He was the first African-American elected as a council member for the city of Duluth.  

- Said "Unlike former President Donald Trump, I believe that elections in Georgia are secure." and is confident in the Gwinnett County's elections board and director of elections to ensure secure elections.
- Supports and adheres to the Georgia Open Records Act.

- Supprorts reducing property taxes.
- Wants to install initiatives aimed to financially relieve county residents and small business owners.
- As County Commissioner, he increased wages for county employees, and broadened the scope of paid parental leave.
- Believes county government has an obligation to encourage safe, affordable and attainable housing options.

- Plans to continue focusing on hiring more police officers.
- Pushes for transparency and accountability in local law enforcement.
- As County Commissioner, he supported purchasing the Gwinnett Place Mall land for $23 million.
- Holds "protecting the lives and property of Gwinnett residents." as top priority.
- Supports investing in technology, including additional flock cameras, and working with other agencies in metro Atlanta to investigate criminal activity.

- Wants to implement a "Housing Master Plan", aiming to install available affordable housing units, and incentivize  more senior housing.

- Promises to establish long-term and feasible transportation plans, aimed to enhance mobility and reduce congestion.

- County Commissioners create and pass laws at the county-level. These laws show up in very tangible ways, such as determining how much you pay in property and sales taxes, public transportation, and maintaining infrastructure.
- County Commissioners are responsible for preparing and passing the county budget. The budget determines how much funding goes to various public services, such as public transportation, law enforcement, repairing roads, and maintaining infrastructure.
- County Commissioners oversee the administrative duties of your county’s government to ensure the safety, comfort, and well-being of county residents.
- County Commissioners are elected to 4-year terms in staggered years. Typically, you only vote for the County Commissioner that represents your county commission district.

Gwinnett County Commissioner, District 1, Democratic Primary

Election results

Candidates (1)