In surprise, Atlanta Mayor Bottoms won’t seek a second term
May 7, 2021 10:50AM AKDT

FILE – In this July 17, 2019, file photo, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms speaks during a Senate Democrats’ Special Committee on the Climate Crisis on Capitol Hill in Washington. Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced Thursday, May 6, 2021 she will not seek a second term, an election-year surprise that marks a sharp turnabout for the city’s second Black woman executive who months ago was among those President Joe Biden considered for his running mate. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)
By BILL BARROW and JEFF AMY Associated Press
ATLANTA (AP) — Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms confirmed Friday that she will not seek a second term, an election-year surprise that marks a sharp turnabout for the city’s second Black woman executive. Less than a year ago she was among several political figures President Joe Biden considered to be his running mate. Bottoms disclosed her decision publicly in a lengthy open letter and accompanying video Thursday night after having told family and a close circle of supporters. Bottoms said she doesn’t know what she’ll do next, but she didn’t rule out a post in Biden’s administration.