Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms revealed she would not seek re-election later this year, shocking Georgia political circles.
Bottoms explained her decision in a lengthy open letter and posted a video on dearatl.com last night.
In the video, she lists several accomplishments during her tenure, including investments in affordable housing and tens of millions of dollars spent on homelessness. According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, she first told trusted associates, staffers, and allies of her decision in private.
“While I am not yet certain of what the future holds,” she wrote. “I trust that my next season will continue to be one full of passion and purpose, guided by the belief that within each of us is the power and responsibility to make a positive difference in the lives of others.”
She continued, “It is my sincere hope that over the next several months, a candidate for mayor will emerge whom the people of Atlanta may entrust to lead our beloved city to its next and best chapter.”
Her announcement ignited online rumors that she would run for a higher office in Georgia since next year is the state’s gubernatorial race.
