Just two weeks after being narrowly defeated in the Atlanta mayoral runoff, Mary Norwood has officially conceded the race.
"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," Norwood said in a video shared online.
The decision comes after a tumultuous several days following the election which was earlier in the month. Norwood first requested a recount and later challenged whether an entire recently-annexed neighborhood should be counted.
The admission, which follows the recount results showing an even bigger win for mayor-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms, further paves the way for the city's next mayor.
"I wish my opponent a term of governance that embodies all that my campaign did embracing every Atlantan and working hard for all Atlantans with grace and dignity," Norwood said in closing.
Thursday afternoon Bottoms released this statement:
“This was a long, hard fought campaign and I remain grateful for the support we received across this city. We truly are stronger together and we will move forward as one Atlanta. I appreciate the passion Ms. Norwood has shown towards our city and look forward to working with leaders across Atlanta to continue to improve our communities.”
