Atlanta, August 19, 2025

News Summary

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens has officially kicked off his reelection campaign amid the qualifying period for city council candidates. Dickens, who achieved a significant decrease in homicide rates during his term, emphasized his dedication to affordable housing and clean energy. The city’s electoral landscape is also set for reelection with all city council seats and school board districts up for grabs. Notably, Atlanta City Council President Doug Shipman will not seek another term, creating opportunities for new candidates. Voters will cast their ballots on November 4, marking a crucial moment for Atlanta’s governance.

Atlanta

Incumbent Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens has officially launched his reelection campaign, kicking off on the steps of City Hall and coinciding with the city’s qualifying period for city council candidates, which runs until Friday. During the launch, Dickens received chants of support from attendees, vehemently declaring his commitment to a second term as the city’s mayor.

Nearly the entire Atlanta government is set for reelection this cycle, which includes all 15 city council seats. Among the notable announcements, Atlanta City Council President Doug Shipman revealed he would not run for another term due to family health issues, creating a competitive landscape as candidates vie for open positions.

Rohit Malhotra, the founder of the Center for Civic Innovation in Atlanta, has thrown his hat in the ring for a city council seat, asserting that the upcoming elections in 2025 will serve as a critical referendum on current lawmakers. He posits that Atlanta stands at a defining moment regarding its identity and governance.

The upcoming elections also encompass districts on the Atlanta school board, specifically in Districts 2, 4, 6, and the Seat 8 At-Large positions. Voters will head to the polls on November 4, 2025, marking a significant date for Atlanta’s political landscape.

Dickens’ Tenure and Accomplishments

First elected in 2021, Dickens campaigned on a platform focused on crime reduction, affordable housing, and youth initiatives. Since taking office, he has reported a substantial decrease in the city’s homicide rates, outperforming many other U.S. cities in this critical area of public safety.

As part of fulfilling his candidacy requirements, Dickens filed the necessary qualifying paperwork with the city clerk’s office. He emphasizes his deep commitment to the city, inviting residents to continue placing their faith in his leadership. If he wins reelection, it will represent his final term as mayor, making the stakes of this election particularly high.

Future Goals and Challenges

Dickens has articulated ambitious campaign goals that include the construction or preservation of 20,000 units of affordable housing by 2030 and a transition to 100% clean energy by 2035. However, he faces significant challenges that threaten the city’s progress, among them an aging water system requiring over $1 billion in repairs, alongside a backlog of infrastructure projects needing resolution before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In addition, Dickens noted a deteriorated relationship with the current federal administration compared to prior interactions under President Joe Biden, which may complicate his efforts to secure support for the city’s initiatives.

Financially, Dickens has amassed nearly $4 million for his campaign, with around $2.2 million readily available. Despite his strong fundraising efforts, the mayoral race has seen limited competition thus far, with only two official opponents listed in the city’s election database.

Conclusion

As the elections approach, both Dickens and potential challengers prepare for the significant political decision facing Atlanta voters. The outcome will likely have long-lasting implications for the city’s governance and future direction as it grapples with vital issues affecting the community.

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Additional Resources

• Atlanta News First
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution
• Axios
• Google Search: Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens
• Wikipedia: Atlanta

Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER

The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.