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Mary Norwood Finally Concedes Atlanta Mayor’s Race, Reneges on Court Challenge

Posted byBy Tanasia Kenney | Published on: CommentsComments (0)

After seeking a recount and threatening to contest the results in court, former candidate Mary Norwood has conceded the Atlanta mayor’s race to Democrat and fellow city councilwoman Keisha Lance Bottoms.

Norwood’s concession came just after 10:30 Wednesday night, more than two weeks after the Dec. 5 runoff in which Bottoms narrowly defeated her by about 800 votes, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. In a YouTube video last night, the ex-candidate, who ran as an Independent, said she believed irregularities occurred during the election but would not contest them as previously planned.

“I thank everyone that came forward to report polling situations and ballot issues that were concerning,” Norwood said. ” … For the future of this city, I think it is the right thing to do to move on and hold a new administration accountable to serve this great city well.”

Eight years ago, Norwood suffered a similar defeat by outgoing Mayor Kasim Reed, who also beat her by a tight margin. The margin was slightly bigger this time around, due to issues with the U.S. Postal Service delivering voters’ ballots on time for the election, the newspaper reported. There was reportedly a hold up in mailing the absentee ballots until after Thanksgiving, thanks to another recount from November’s general election.

“I wish my opponent a term of governance that embodies all that my campaign did,” Norwood continued, “embracing every Atlantan and working hard for all Atlantans with grace and dignity.”

News of the councilwoman’s concession sparked a top-trending hashtag on social media, garnering mixed reactions from critics and supporters alike — but mostly critics.

https://twitter.com/Kurt_MN/status/943848712337575936

https://twitter.com/LC73179253/status/943816171563859969

https://twitter.com/NoFascistLies/status/943697473977110528

 

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