In one week, Atlanta will have a new mayor-elect. And for the first time in a long time, the new mayor will be outside of the political “machine” in Atlanta. Felicia Moore was a thorn in the side of former Mayor Kasim Reed for much of his term, pushing for more transparency and financial responsibility. Andre Dickens is a relative newcomer, finishing up only his second term on council but having made a name for himself quickly, making the runoff for mayor after pushing for affordable housing and serving on the boards of the Atlanta Beltline and Invest Atlanta.
Moore made the runoff easily in early November, cruising with more than 40 percent of the vote. Dickens meanwhile squeaked out the 2nd place spot ahead of former Mayor Reed by hundreds of votes with 23 percent overall. Dickens has seemed to gain steam though now that it is a two person race.
He got the endorsement of current Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms last week and a new AJC poll out Monday showed him with an edge of five points – 42.6% to 37.2% – with about 20 percent still undecided. As per usual in Atlanta politics, despite the non-partisan nature of the race, the two candidates are shaking out with different demographic groups. The poll showed Dickens taking a lead among women, Democrats and Black voters, with Moore leading among white voters, Republicans and, perhaps oddly, voters 18-29.
The Bottoms endorsement was perhaps a boon to Dickens, looking for some backing from institutional power. Bottoms popularity is hard to gauge – and there is no current polling, but she likely remains popular with Black voters and many Democrats across the city. Moore has been critical of Bottoms over the last four years and Reed, Moore’s nemesis, was somewhat of a Bottoms mentor.
Perhaps notably, there was not an event announcing the endorsement, Bottoms issued a statement via tweet. “I’ve worked closely with Andre Dickens and his opponent, getting to know how each works on behalf of people across Atlanta. Andre has an extraordinary ability to inspire and bring our city together. I sincerely believe that he will be a mayor of whom my children can be proud.”
For those who are favorable to Bottoms, the endorsement could push them over the edge in a race between two change candidates. For those unfavorable to Bottoms, they are likely already in the Moore camp.
Between now and next Tuesday, there is not likely much more to happen. It is possible there may be some more endorsements out there but news breaking during the Thanksgiving break is not likely to make much news – or at least get seen by very many.
This being city politics and the waning days ahead of a post-Thanksgiving runoff, and with previous elections being decided by just a couple hundred votes, door knocking and flyers can actually make a difference. If you are out and about in Atlanta this weekend, you just might be able to talk to the next mayor.
