Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms says decision not to run for reelection was "made from a position of strength"

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced Thursday she won't seek a second term, an election-year surprise that marks a sharp turnabout for the city's second Black mayor who months ago was among those President Biden considered as a possible running mate. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution called the decision "stunning."

An emotional Bottoms held a press conference on Friday explaining her decision. She said that she had written two potential letters to the people of Atlanta — one announcing that she would remain in the mayoral race, and one announcing that she would would not run for reelection. Bottoms released the open letter announcing her decision to withdraw on Thursday evening. "This has been my highest honor to serve as mayor of this city," she said. "It is abundantly clear to me that it is time to pass the baton on to someone else."