A controversial political figure once dubbed the “Dolton Dictator” is attempting a dramatic comeback—this time in a completely different state and under a new political banner.

Tiffany Henyard, the former mayor of Dolton, Illinois, has officially filed to run for office in Georgia’s Fulton County, marking a surprising shift after her tumultuous exit from Illinois politics. According to reports first highlighted by the New York Post, Henyard has also switched political parties, entering the race as a Republican candidate despite previously being affiliated with the Democratic Party.

Election records show the 42-year-old filed to run for a District 5 seat on the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, representing areas in the southwestern suburbs of Atlanta, including South Fulton, Union City, and Palmetto. If elected, she would oversee issues affecting one of Georgia’s most politically watched counties.

Henyard is currently one of five candidates competing for the seat—but notably the only Republican in the race.

Her campaign launch comes just over a year after her dramatic political downfall in Illinois. During her time as mayor of Dolton and supervisor of Thornton Township, Henyard became the center of intense controversy, facing a series of accusations related to spending and management of taxpayer funds.

Among the claims that drew national attention were allegations of lavish spending, including tens of thousands of dollars in online purchases and expensive travel while the village struggled financially. Reports also raised questions about the cost of a personal police security detail that reportedly exceeded $1 million. Those controversies prompted scrutiny from federal investigators and fueled mounting political opposition.

Ultimately, Henyard suffered major defeats in the 2025 Democratic primaries, losing both her mayoral bid in Dolton and her run for township supervisor. Those losses effectively ended her tenure in Illinois government.

But Henyard now says she’s ready for a new chapter. During a recent Facebook Live broadcast, she announced what she called “Project Phoenix,” a campaign she says represents rising from controversy and rebuilding her political career.

In the livestream, Henyard told supporters that moving to Georgia has given her the opportunity to start fresh and bring new leadership to Fulton County. She claimed her past experience in local government gives her the skills needed to address issues such as the county’s troubled jail system and broader community concerns.

Critics remain skeptical, but Henyard insists the backlash against her has been unfair. For now, the former Illinois mayor appears determined to prove that her political story is far from over.