Margaret Kaiser ends Atlanta mayor bid, leaving only 428 candidates left
State rep and restaurant owner from Grant Park says she wants to put family and business first
Margaret Kaiser, the Democratic state representative who was one of the first to announce her campaign for Atlanta mayor, says she’s ending her bid to lead City Hall.
In a message to supporters, the Grant Park business owner says she has “struggled to stay focused on the campaign, continue to help run our family’s small businesses, serve out my last year as a member of the Georgia Legislature, and enjoy time with my wonderful husband and two sons. I cannot dedicate the necessary time to this campaign while also being the business owner and mother that I want to be and that my staff and sons deserve.”
Kaiser, who has served under the Gold Dome since 2007, announced her run for mayor in March 2015, a few hours after former Atlanta City Council President Cathy Woolard said she was looking to succeed Mayor Kasim Reed.
Kaiser planned to run on a platform encouraging better transportation, a revitalized Downtown, and more transparency in city government.
“While I have ultimately decided not to further pursue the campaign, my journey from March until now has been reaffirming,” Kaiser says in the message. “The support I received from individuals like yourself shows what a wonderful city and state we live in, full of citizens who are willing to work tirelessly for good, innovative governance. Reconnecting with people and engaging in open dialogue about this city’s strengths and weaknesses have been my favorite moments of the campaign, and for that, I will be forever grateful for the memories you have given me.”
In a phone conversation, Kaiser told CL she started her mayoral campaign with a strong fundraising goal, which she says her campaign met, and then she took more time to “breathe and reflect” on her decision. Kaiser ultimately decided that wanted to spend more time running the restaurants she and her husband own in Grant Park and East Atlanta Village, and with her family. Her sons were 6 and 7 when she joined the state House and are now teenagers. Kaiser says she’ll return contributions to individuals who helped fund her campaign — and that she hasn’t ruled out running for elected office again.
When asked what she would like to hear mayoral candidates discuss, Kaiser said she would like to see a “really strong focus on transparency” and engaging the community, including neighborhoods, families, and people starting small innovative businesses.
“And really having some civility,” she says. “I think people are ready for that after this national presidential debate.”
There are anywhere from 10 to 20 people, including city councilmembers, former mayors, business consultants, and everyday residents, who have officially launched their mayoral campaign or are seriously considering running.