Two weeks after a heated mayoral race in Atlanta, Mary Norwood has finally conceded to Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms.
Originally, Norwood had called for a recount after losing the Dec. 5 race. Under Georgia law, the second-place candidate can call for such a recount if the margin is less than one percent.
When calling for a vote recount, Norwood cited an unofficial count and said that she was waiting for the vote count to be updated later in the week.
“It’s not over yet,” Norwood said.
This isn’t the first time Norwood has done this, either. In 2009, Norwood barely lost the mayoral race to Mayor Kasim Reed. It was a slim victory for Reed, one that was confirmed by a recount requested by Norwood.
Norwood acknowledged this in her calls for a recount, admitting that she had done this before.
A change of heart
It looks like Norwood has now changed her mind. On Wednesday night, she announced that she would not contest the results, even if she still believes there were voting irregularities.
“For the future of this city, I believe it is the right thing to do to move on and hold a new administration accountable to serve this great city well,” she said in a video posted online. “I thank everyone who came forward to report polling situations and ballot issues that were concerning.”
Current Mayor Kasim Reed thanked Norwood for conceding and allowing the city to move forward.
“I congratulate Mrs. Norwood on a hard fought campaign and am pleased that this election has come to a close,” Reed tweeted. “We can now focus on moving our city forward and I will continue to work with Mayor-Elect Keisha Bottoms.”
Reed, who could not run for re-election due to term limits, threw his support behind Bottoms in the election.