Durham Mayor Elaine O'Neal announces she is not running for reelection

Durham Mayor Elaine O'Neal announced Thursday evening that she will not be running for reelection.

O'Neal, a Durham native, told WRAL news that she plans to focus on her family.

In a statement released she says her attention has been shifted:

"Serving the people and the city I love dearly as Mayor has been an honor.

My love for Durham and its citizens has never wavered, and it never will.

However, at this time in my life, my attention has shifted to prioritizing my family.

Therefore, I will not seek another term."

O'Neal was elected mayor in 2021 and the first woman Superior Court Judge in Durham County.

Her term will end 2023.

Durham Mayor Pro Tempore Mark-Anthony Middleton also put out a statement after the announcement.

"One of the great honors of my life is to serve as Mayor Pro Tempore with this historic figure that I both endorsed and campaigned for. I told the mayor on more than one occasion that I hoped she would seek a second term which I have no doubt the people of Durham would have granted easily. I'm saddened that this will not be the case, but trust Her Honor's judgment on what is best for her and her family."

Middleton also thanked O'Neal for a transformative leadership experience and for reminding People that the true measurement of the greatness of they city is taken from the bottom up.

"Today is not a day for political speculation or announcements about future plans," Middleton said. "Today is a day for gratitude and thankfulness that Elaine O'Neal answered the call to serve. We are a better city for it."