Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced she would not run for reelection this year.
“As (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,” wrote in a letter published online.
“While I am not yet certain of what the future holds, 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.”
Bottoms recently faced criticism after Garrett Rolfe, the police officer who shot and killed Rayshard Brooks, has his firing revered by the Atlanta Civil Service Board on Wednesday. The board found that that the city did not follow its own procedures and failed to grant Rolfe due process. Rolfe will remain on administrative leave while criminal charges against him are resolved.
While some speculate that Bottoms could be running for governor in the state’s gubernatorial election is next year, other feel Bottoms has proven to be far too unpopular in her city to rally up the support necessary. In her letter, Bottoms denied these claims as to the reasons for her stepping down.
“‘Can she fundraise?” YES,” she wrote. “With the support of President Biden, I had the most successful single fundraiser of any Mayor in the history of Atlanta. ‘Can she win again?’ ABSOLUTELY. Multiple credible polls have shown that if the race for Mayor were held today, I would be re-elected.”
“I have engaged in several elections, facing multiple candidates, and never once have I cowarded from the competition,” Bottoms asserted.
Bottoms will be the first Atlanta mayor not to run for reelection since WW2.
