Longtime DeKalb County Commissioner Kathie Gannon will not seek reelection.
Gannon has represented Super District 6, which covers the western half of DeKalb, since 2005. In a newsletter distributed Friday, the Democrat announced that 2020 will be her final year in office.
“I have decided that it is time for the next generation to move on up, to provide the energy, initiative and new ideas to build upon what we have started to continue progressive movement forward in DeKalb County,” Gannon wrote in the newsletter.
Gannon described her time on the commission as “a journey through troubled waters in DeKalb County” but said she was proud of her work to protect neighborhoods, plan for the future and make government more accountable and transparent.
She also hinted a potential successor.
“I look forward to supporting a candidate to represent us in Super District 6, who brings a fresh perspective with creative and innovative ideas to tackle the list with you,” Gannon wrote. “There should be an announcement in the coming days and I will keep you posted.”
At the time of Gannon's announcement, only one candidate — Democrat Robert Murphy, a local realtor — had filed paperwork with the state declaring intent to run for the Super District 6 seat.
But on Jan. 23, digital media executive and community activist Emily Halevy announced her own campaign. Gannon confirmed that Halevy was the candidate she referenced in her newsletter.
