One day before the deadline to challenge in court the results of the Dec. 5 Atlanta mayoral nonpartisan general runoff election, Mary Norwood has conceded defeat against Keisha Lance Bottoms. In an email sent to her supporters and the media Dec. 20, Norwood said she decided not to challenge the results in Fulton County Superior Court Dec. 21. She had until that day to do so because the Dec. 16 certification of the recount in the election yielded a small change in the results, where Norwood lost by about 820 votes or 49.6 percent.
“These supporters deserved my best analysis of the election, and for the past two weeks, that is what has been done,” the Buckhead resident said of the about 45,000 people who voted for her. “It has been exhausting and painful, but it was important to me to do so for their sake and for everyone who believes in our vision of Atlanta — a city that is better together than it is divided.
“The process is now complete and although there were some irregularities with the election, I have decided not to contest it. I thank everyone who came forward to report polling situations and ballot issues that were concerning. We are grateful. Throughout this process, I also consulted with trusted advisors and leaders in the community. For the future of this city, I believe it is the right thing to do to move on … and hold the new administration accountable to serve this great city well.”