Atlanta's Mayor Steps Down Amid Criticism, Eyes Statewide Office
Keisha Lance Bottoms, facing public scrutiny over her handling of crime and other issues, has decided to run for Georgia governor instead of seeking another term as mayor.
Atlanta's outgoing mayor, Keisha Lance Bottoms, is setting her sights on a new political stage after deciding not to seek re-election for a second term as the city's leader 1. This move comes at a time when the city faced significant challenges, particularly in the realm of public safety, with notable increases in both homicides and shootings 2.
In 2020, Atlanta saw a sharp rise in violent crimes, with the number of homicides jumping to 157 cases, marking a substantial increase from the 99 reported in the preceding year 2. Additionally, by early July of that same year, the city had already documented 282 shooting incidents, representing a 19% uptick compared to the corresponding period in 2019 2. These trends continued into 2021, with shootings increasing by 38% by June of that year 2.
The mayor's tenure also witnessed a notable exodus from the Atlanta Police Department, with over 200 officers leaving their posts in 2020 2. This personnel shift, coupled with the rising crime rates, contributed to a climate of dissatisfaction among some residents, notably in the affluent Buckhead area, where there was a push to separate from the broader city governance 2.
Despite these challenges, Bottoms has chosen to pivot her political ambitions towards the state level, aiming to become Georgia's next governor 1. Her decision to step down from her mayoral role and pursue a statewide office reflects a strategic realignment in her political career, as she seeks to address broader issues affecting the entire state.
What we know
- - Keisha Lance Bottoms is running for Georgia governor 1
- - She was criticized for her leadership during her time as Atlanta's mayor 12
- - She decided to not seek re-election for a second term as Atlanta's mayor 1
- - In 2020, Atlanta experienced an increase in homicides to 157 cases, up from 99 in the previous year 2
- - By early July 2020, Atlanta recorded 282 shooting incidents, marking a 19% rise compared to the same period in the prior year 2
- - The number of shootings in Atlanta increased by 38% by June 2021 2
- - Over 200 officers departed from the Atlanta Police Department in 2020 2
- - Buckhead residents initiated a movement to separate from Atlanta due to dissatisfaction with the city's management 2
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Verification report
- likely
Keisha Lance Bottoms is running for Georgia governor.
72% · supported by 1 - likely
Keisha Lance Bottoms was criticized for her leadership during her time as Atlanta's mayor.
85% · supported by 2 - likely
Keisha Lance Bottoms decided to not seek re-election for a second term as Atlanta's mayor.
72% · supported by 1 - likely
In 2020, Atlanta experienced an increase in homicides to 157 cases, up from 99 in the previous year.
68% · supported by 1 - likely
By early July 2020, Atlanta recorded 282 shooting incidents, marking a 19% rise compared to the same period in the prior year.
68% · supported by 1 - likely
The number of shootings in Atlanta increased by 38% by June 2021.
68% · supported by 1 - likely
Over 200 officers departed from the Atlanta Police Department in 2020.
68% · supported by 1 - likely
Buckhead residents initiated a movement to separate from Atlanta due to dissatisfaction with the city's management.
68% · supported by 1
