Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, long rumored to have his sights on higher political office, said he has “another election” in him before retiring from public life.
“I think I have another election in me, because I love public service,” Reed told WABE radio hosts Denis O’Hayer and Rose Scott on Tuesday.
Reed wouldn’t reveal just which office he’s eyeing, though he’s widely believed to desire a gubernatorial run, if not U.S. Senate. Reed has said he plans to return to the private sector after leaving Atlanta City Hall in 2018, but on Tuesday left open the possibility of another campaign.
He could face stiff competition if he runs in 2018. Former gubernatorial candidate Jason Carter and House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams could run on the Democratic ticket, and several Republicans, including Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, Secretary of State Brian Kemp and Attorney General Sam Olens are said to be considering a bid.
Reed could also wait out until 2022, when shifting demographics could play more into the Democratic Party’s favor. An influx of minorities and newcomers has analysts predicting Georgia could become a purple state by the decade’s end.
During the lengthy interview, WABE hosts pressed the mayor on issues including Turner Field and Fort McPherson development, the ongoing conflict with Atlanta Public Schools over the Atlanta Beltline and his recent attempt to appoint disbarred councilman H. Lamar Willis to the Fulton County/ City of Atlanta Land Bank Authority — a decision voted down by the Atlanta City Council.
WABE also asked Reed if he needs to mend fences with other Georgia Democrats in preparation for the 2016 presidential race.
Reed faced some criticism last year for not directly endorsing Carter in his race against Gov. Nathan Deal, though the mayor strongly supported Michelle Nunn in her failed U.S. Senate run.
Reed called notions of discord “a bunch of garbage.”
“I went all in for Michelle Nunn and I supported Jason Carter,” Reed said, noting he held a fundraiser for Carter.
“This kind of infighting on who you supported and whether you supported or not is really kind of silly,” he continued. “The fact of the matter is politics is really a long game. If you want people to be for you, you’ve got to be for them. All of that is in the past. Jason and I have a cordial relationship. I like him, and I think he likes me.”
Reed said state Democrats will now join forces to focus on Hillary Clinton’s presidential bid, making an argument that the national party should invest in Georgia as a potential swing state.
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