Thursday evening proved to be an exciting night on the timeline. Throughout the night, sports fans were riled up for a Los Angeles showdown between the Clippers and the Lakers. Meanwhile, music fans were excited for new releases from Isaiah Rashad and J. Cole. In the midst of all of that, there was a bit of big news coming out of Atlanta, Georgia.
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has announced that she will not run for a second term. In a brief letter posted online, she said that her decision was not influenced by fundraising or fear of competition. Rather, she explained that this was a joint decision with her husband, Derek, as she looks to pursue new opportunities.
"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," she wrote.
"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 has emerged as a force in national politics over the last year. Last summer, she went viral for her speech condemning protesters fighting against police brutality. Months later, her name was floated around as a potential running mate for eventual President Joe Biden. More recently, she clashed with Governor Brian Kemp regarding COVID-19 protocols.
In the wake of her announcement, City Council President Felicia Moore, former mayor Kasim Reed and former Rep. Kwanza Hall have emerged as potential successors. The next mayoral election is set for November 2, 2021.
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