Mary-Ann Baldwin, the mayor of Raleigh, North Carolina, announced that she will not seek reelection this fall due to health challenges and a new job opportunity. Baldwin, who has been on the city council since 2007 and became mayor in December 2019, cited a breast cancer diagnosis last year, her husband’s open-heart surgery, and their dog’s illness as reasons for her decision. She stated that it was time to focus on herself and her family and find other ways to serve the community. Baldwin has also taken on a new role as the executive director of a foundation providing grants to those struggling with monthly expenses.
Despite facing health challenges and personal struggles, Baldwin highlighted her accomplishments as mayor in a video announcing her decision. She focused on her efforts to promote affordable housing, develop the downtown Warehouse District, and oversee the renovation of PNC Arena. As the leader of a rapidly growing city, Baldwin has worked to stimulate private development in west Raleigh and has had to navigate challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and criticism of the local law enforcement’s response to protests following George Floyd’s death in 2020. Several candidates have announced their intentions to run for mayor, including current council member Corey Branch and former council member and state treasurer Janet Cowell.
Baldwin’s announcement comes as a surprise to many constituents, given her successful reelection in 2022. Despite the challenges she faced during her time as mayor, Baldwin has been praised for her dedication to the community and her efforts to address pressing issues such as affordable housing and economic development. Her decision to step down has sparked interest in the upcoming mayoral race, with potential candidates preparing to file for candidacy in July. The city of Raleigh, the second-largest in North Carolina, will now begin the process of selecting a new leader to guide the community through its continued growth and development.
As the mayor of Raleigh, Mary-Ann Baldwin has played a significant role in shaping the city’s future and addressing important issues facing its residents. Her decision to step down reflects her commitment to prioritizing her health and personal well-being while continuing to serve the community in other ways. Baldwin’s tenure as mayor has been marked by both achievements and challenges, and her successor will inherit a city that is in the midst of rapid growth and development. The upcoming mayoral race will be closely watched as candidates vie to lead Raleigh into the next chapter of its evolution.
