 In November 2003, Handel was elected chairman of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners in a special election to replace Mike Kenn, receiving 58% of the popular vote and continued to serve in that role until 2006.She had run for commissioner unsuccessfully in November 2002, while serving as the president and CEO of North Fulton County Chamber of Commerce.Handel chose not to run for re-election as the chairman of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners in order to run for Georgia Secretary of State.