Former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed Joins Mayoral Race

Kasim Reed has officially entered the race to become Atlanta mayor.

According to the Associated Press, Reed’s campaign team filed documents with the Georgia ethics commission. He can now start accepting political contributions for the 2021 race.

Reed served in the state House and Senate before becoming mayor in 2010, serving two terms. He was known for being tough on crime, hiring more than 900 police officers, creating the largest police force in the city’s history.

Reed’s reign was cut short after a damaging federal corruption investigation.

A total of six members of Reed’s staff on bribery charges, including his former chief financial officer, a deputy chief, and chief procurement officer. Last month, he expressed regret over not being aware of what was happening under his watch.

“Anything on my watch, I take responsibility for,” Reed said on WSB-TV. “I’m sorry I didn’t see it faster, and certainly after what I’ve been through personally, but more importantly what our city was taken through, I would do everything in my power to make sure it didn’t happen again.”

Reed was cleared without charges but mud sticks, and he now faces an uphill battle to change public perception.

Reed will be going up against Councilman Andre Dickens, attorney Sharon Gay, City Council President Felicia Moore, Councilman Antonio Brown and Walter Reeves.

Last month, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced that she would not be seeking a second term — the first time since Maynard Jackson that an incumbent mayor decided not to seek reelection.

“While I am not yet certain of what the future holds,” she wrote in an open letter. “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.”