Photograph by Megan Varner/Getty Images
Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms will not seek re-election in November, a surprising move by the popular though politically vulnerable incumbent that opens wide the race to lead Atlanta.
“As [my husband] Derek and I have given thoughtful prayer and consideration to the season now before us, it is with deep emotions that I hold my head high, and choose not to seek another term as Mayor,” Bottoms wrote in a letter and video posted to a website, dearatl.com, seemingly built for the announcement. In the letter, she ran down a list of her accomplishments and was adamant she could be a formidable candidate if she were to run for a second term.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Thursday night first reported the news, citing two sources who attended a virtual meeting where Bottoms announced the news to top supporters.
Bottoms has scheduled a 10 a.m. press conference at City Hall on Friday. A spokesperson directed us to the mayor’s letter.
https://t.co/4yHFpvnVre pic.twitter.com/b7IJEIyojq
— Keisha Lance Bottoms (@KeishaBottoms) May 7, 2021
The move sparks new speculation about who will join the race. Names include former Mayor Kasim Reed, former Councilwoman and two-time mayoral candidate Mary Norwood, Atlanta Hawks CEO Steve Koonin, and Doug Shipman, the former head of the Woodruff Arts Center. Atlanta City Council President Felicia Moore and Sharon Gay, a well-known lawyer and former city attorney, have announced their campaigns.
