Roommates, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms is reportedly saying goodbye to politics after her four-year term ends. News broke on Thursday evening that Keisha has chosen not to run for reelection in 2022. The announcement was shared by several Atlanta-based media outlets, including WSB-TV (Channel 2 Action News), who confirmed the news with sources close to Keisha.
According to WSB-TV’s report, Keisha shared her decision with supporters during a Thursday evening virtual meeting. Keisha has reportedly accepted a position with the national pharmacy store chain, Walgreen’s.
Mark Winne, an investigative reporter with Channel 2, received details on the move, including that Keisha will finish her current term and that she “loves the city.” Mark was told by close sources that Keisha “told family members first and then members of her cabinet.”
Keisha nor her team have made any official announcements about her reelection decision. However, the mayor has booked a press conference at Atlanta’s City Hall for Friday at 10 a.m. Still, her office did not give additional details about the conference or its subject matter.
As you may already know, Keisha made history when she secured the mayor role back in 2017. She is the second Black woman to lead Atlanta as mayor. Additionally, Keisha is ” the only mayor in Atlanta’s history to have served in all three branches of government.” Prior to becoming mayor, she served as a judge and City Council member.
News of Keisha’s decision not to re-run for mayor comes several months after declining to join President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris’ cabinet. Back in December, we reported that Keisha had “respectfully declined” Joe’s offer. A statement released by Keisha’s Senior Advisor Rashad Taylor shared her reasoning at the time.
“The Mayor’s focus remains on the people of Atlanta and the great state of Georgia,” the statement said. “Out of respect for the process, and the other candidates under consideration, no additional comment will be forthcoming on this matter at this time.”
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