While Donald Trump’s fruitless efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 Presidential election has come to an ignominious end, both Republicans and Democratic politicians and activists are turning their attention to the dual senate races in the State of Georgia. However, after the dust settles there and Biden is sworn in on January 20th, attention will shift to an interesting set of mayoral races around the country, many of which will have a significant impact on policies and initiatives at the local level.
But unlike other years, there are formidable challenges that will confront any mayor who takes the oath of office in 2021 and 2022. Strains stemming from the pandemic, racial unrest and unprecedented fiscal and budgetary issues will force leaders to make some undeniably difficult decisions going forward. It will not be an enjoyable period to be a mayor, which could scare off a number of potential candidates, particularly those without previous government experience. Here is a look at eight of the more interesting contests that will held in 2021.
New York City
This election will generate a wealth of attention and has already attracted a diverse set of entrants into a race that should be highly competitive. If endorsements have meaning, the clear winner right now, would be City Comptroller Scott Singer who has garnered the backing of a number of federal, state and local officials including newly elected Congressional Representative Jamaal Bowen. Other candidates with New York City government experience include: Eric Adams, Brooklyn Borough President; Kathryn Garcia, former Sanitation Commissioner; Loree Sutton, former Commissioner of Department of Veterans’ Services; Council Member Carlos Menchaca; and Maya Wiley, former counsel to Mayor Bill de Blasio and one time MSNBC legal analyst.
Outsider hopefuls who have tossed their hats in the ring are: Diane Morales, former executive director & CEO of Phipps Neighborhood; Shaun Donovan, former budget director for President Barack Obama; Zak Iscol, Founder and CEO of Task & Purpose; and Ray McGuire, former vice chair of Citigroup. Interestingly, McGuire has come under recent fire for his inconsistent voting habits. Add outgoing Congressman Max Rose, former presidential candidate Andrew Yang and ranked choice voting to the mix and this race will be well worth following.
Primary — June 22, 2021 General Election — November 2, 2021
Boston
Mayor Marty Walsh has yet to declare himself a candidate for reelection as Boston’s Mayor, but all signs point to his eventual pursuit of a third term. However, that effort won’t be without opposition. Two Boston City Councilors Michelle Wu and Andrea Campbell have announced their plans to seek to become the city’s first female mayor. In addition, with Wu being Asian-American and Campbell African-American, a win by either would make them the first person of color to hold the office.
For now, Walsh says that he’s focused on pandemic related issues. However, he’s keenly aware that both Wu and Campbell are highlighting systemic racism and racial justice issues as large parts of their campaigns. Yet Walsh isn’t ceding any ground and says that he looks forward to having future conversations on these and other concerns, but for now he will concentrate on his job as mayor. Walsh may also be under consideration for a job in the Biden Administration, which if accepted would change the dynamics of the race. But if he continues his candidacy, it’s worth noting that no Boston Mayor has been denied reelection since 1949.
Primary — September 21, 2021 General Election — November 2, 2021
Seattle
After she announced plans to run for reelection in February, Mayor Jenny Durkan in a recent change of heart decided forgo another campaign. In a way, who could blame her. The turmoil that has engulfed Seattle apart from the pandemic and her perceived mismanagement of an array of issues would have been significant obstacles to overcome. To many, Durkan was in a no-win situation given her inability to deftly navigate the demands raised by the business, labor and progressive communities. She was also facing a recall effort that and been dismissed in court but was under appeal. To add insult to injury, as Seattle’s first openly lesbian mayor, Durkan had been called on to resign by the Seattle LGBTQ Commission.
So far there is just one announced candidate, Lance Randall who oversees a Seattle nonprofit community development organization. Others who could enter are: City Council President Lorena Gonzales; At-Large Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda; King County Executive Dow Constantine; progressive activist and community organizer Nikkita Oliver; former mayoral candidate Cary Moon; and former councilmember Tim Burgess. A new addition to this upcoming election is the use of Democracy Vouchers totaling $100 that can be given to any eligible candidates for municipal office. As of now, this race is wide open, but given Durkan’s tenure it will be one to watch.
Primary — August 3, 2021 General Election — November 2, 2021
Atlanta
While all eyes are on the upcoming twin senate races in Georgia, speculation abounded with regard to options that current Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms had before her. It was assumed by many that she would have an opportunity to join the Biden Administration and move to D.C. Having recently announced that she would not be taking on a cabinet appointment, Lance-Bottoms is now expected to redirect attention to her campaign for reelection as Mayor of Atlanta in 2021.
Since the mayor will be sticking around, no credible challengers have emerged so far. Political independent Mary Norwood who lost to both Kasim Reid in 2009 and to Mayor Lance-Bottoms in 2017 by razor thin margins indicated earlier this year that she wouldn’t be a candidate, although she didn’t rule it out entirely. But a reversal of her decision would be problematic in that she signed a notarized affidavit to overturn President-Elect Biden’s win in Georgia. Whoever decides to step up, Mayor Lance-Bottoms will be a tough out.
General Election — November 2, 2021 Runoff (If necessary) — TBD
Omaha
Incumbent Mayor Jean Stothert announced her intention to seek a third term in November. Stothert, a Republican is using her record on public safety and a cooperative relationship with an expanding police department as a cornerstone of her campaign, while also acknowledging the need to build better relationships with underserved communities. She is also stressing her desire to follow through on a number of development projects which she hopes will attract and retain young professionals, particularly those with 4-year degrees and higher.
However, a number of Democrats are critical of the mayor’s efforts, particularly in the area of economic development and believe that she doesn’t deserve another term. Other declared candidates include: former high school English teacher, Mark Gudgel, Dawaune Lamont Hayes, founder and director of a community-based news organization and public policy advocate Jasmine Harris. Also considering jumping into the race is commercial real estate broker R.J. Neary who is said to be nearing a decision.
Primary — April 6, 2021 General Election — May 11, 2021
Minneapolis
It’s been a long tough year in Minneapolis. The murder of George Floyd and the racial and civil unrest that ensued, the COVID pandemic and a sharp spike in gun related deaths and injuries have created unparalleled challenges for Mayor Jason Frey. The fact that he’s been catching flak from all sides of a divided community, no one can blame Frey from feeling a little shell shocked. Regardless, Frey (39) has said he will be on the ballot next year.
In 2017, 15 candidates, including Frey challenged former Mayor Betsy Hodges. To date none of those candidates have indicated that they will run against Frey, which speaks volumes about how the job is currently viewed. In addition, City Council President Lisa Bender announced that she won’t run for reelection when her term expires. Frey insists that he enjoys the job and is looking forward to addressing the daunting issues confronting the city. It remains to be seen who will decide to challenge him.
Primary — August 10. 2021 General Election — November 2, 2021
Cleveland
Will he, or won’t he? That’s the question being posed by local political observers as it relates to Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson’s impending decision as to whether or not to run for an unprecedented fifth term. One person who isn’t waiting to find out is Dennis Kucinich who recently formed a fundraising committee. Few names in Cleveland politics elicit stronger reactions. Elected mayor in 1977 at age 31, he is best known for a turbulent two-year tenure and for refusing to sell the city-owned utility as the city faced default.
While both Jackson and Kucinich will both turn 75 next year and possess the required name recognition, there a number of people who covet the job. However, most appear to have some shortcoming that will limit the effectiveness of their campaigns. One of the most viable is State Senator Sandra Williams who has proven to be formidable in her elections. But some believe her perceived closeness with predatory pay day lenders could cause problems for her. One of the more intriguing aspirants is Justin Bibb, Chief Strategy Officer at Urbanova, an organization of companies and innovators that work on smart cities solutions. Bibb (33) has already raised $180,000 dollars which has garnered attention.
The City of Cleveland continues to experience significant population loss. That along with minimal gentrification has contributed to a steep decline in the number of registered voters. In the last primary Jackson won with a little more than 12,500 votes and the general election with a little more than 35,000. A well-organized candidate with a viable message has a great shot at winning.
Primary — September 14, 2021 General Election — November 2, 2021
St. Louis
Mayor Lyda Krewson’s surprise decision to not seek a second term added intrigue to what already was expected to be a multi-candidate brawl in 2021. While Tishaura Jones, who came within 800 votes of beating Krewson 2017 had planned on a rematch all along, Alderwoman Cara Spencer and Restauranteur Dana Kelly decided to launch campaigns of their own. A recent addition to the field is Board of Alderman President Louis Reed. Reed is hoping that the third time is a charm. He was defeated in two earlier attempts by incumbent Francis Slay in 2013 and by Krewson in 2017.
What will be different in the March primary is the implementation of the recently approved Proposition D in which all candidates will run without party labels. It also installs an approval voting system in which voters can cast ballots for any number of candidates they prefer and establishes a runoff general election for the top two candidates in April. If Jones can maintain the coalition that supported her in the last election and bring in some Krewson voters, she will be difficult to beat.
Primary — March 2, 2021 General Election — April 6, 2021