Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin of Raleigh, North Carolina, announced that she will not seek reelection this fall, citing health challenges and a new job as reasons for her decision. Baldwin, who has been on the city council since 2007 and became mayor in 2019, said in a video statement that it was time to focus on herself and her family. She revealed that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer last year, her husband underwent open-heart surgery, and their dog was also ill. Despite these challenges, she stated that she is cancer-free, her husband is doing well, and their dog is recovering.
Baldwin also mentioned that she had recently taken on a new role as the executive director of a foundation that provides grants to individuals who are struggling to cover their monthly expenses. Her decision not to seek reelection has opened up the race for mayor in Raleigh, with several announced candidates already in the running, including current council member Corey Branch and former council member and state treasurer Janet Cowell. Candidate filing begins in July, and the election will take place this fall.
During her time as mayor, Baldwin focused on addressing issues such as affordable housing and the development of downtown Raleigh’s Warehouse District. She also oversaw the upcoming renovation of PNC Arena, home to the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes and North Carolina State University men’s basketball team, as well as the surrounding development that will bring more private investment to west Raleigh. Additionally, Baldwin was in office at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and faced criticism over the local law enforcement’s handling of protests in response to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, which resulted in vandalism and damage to downtown businesses.
Baldwin’s tenure as mayor of Raleigh also included efforts to address the rapidly growing city’s infrastructure and transportation needs, as well as initiatives to promote economic development and job growth. She was reelected in 2022, but her decision not to seek another term will allow new leadership to take the reins and guide the city’s future. Despite facing personal challenges, Baldwin expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as mayor and highlighted her accomplishments during her time in office. The upcoming mayoral election will be an opportunity for the residents of Raleigh to choose a new leader who will continue to address the city’s evolving needs and challenges.
