Updated on Feb. 12, 2025, at 5:54 p.m.
Atlanta City Council President Doug Shipman announced on Wednesday that he will not be running for reelection after his current term comes to an end, citing a personal desire to focus on family.
Shipman, who has held his council position since early 2022, released a statement via the Atlanta-based Saporta Report.
“The joy and challenge of serving as the Atlanta City Council President has been the daily work to fulfill the aspirations and address the shortcomings of this great city and to energetically represent the residents who call it home,” the statement reads.
“Recently, my family has come to face significant medical challenges that will require me to focus time and effort on my most important responsibilities as a father, son, husband and brother. While I will continue to vigorously fulfill my duties to the end of my current term, I cannot in good faith ask the voters of Atlanta to elect me again. The City Council President role is a full one and my expectations and the expectations of the voters are ones I cannot fulfill for another four years.”
Shortly after Shipman’s announcement, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens also released a statement to Saporta, thanking Shipman for his work in the crucial position.
“My heart goes out to City Council President Doug Shipman, his wife and two young children. I’m asking that the entire city join me in prayer for the Shipman family,” said Dickens. “We will do whatever we can to provide support to our friend and colleague as he navigates this difficult time.”
Shipman won his seat in November 2021 against longtime city councilwoman Natilyn Archibong, succeeding his predecessor Felicia Moore, who decided to run for mayor of Atlanta rather than pursue another term.
A veteran of the Atlanta business scene, Shipman served for three years as the president of the Woodruff Arts Center before being voted into his seat on the council. Prior to this, he spent eight years as the founding CEO of the National Center of Civil and Human Rights.
Shipman’s dedication to civil and human rights has been recognized by several organizations throughout the city, including the Atlanta Business League, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the Atlanta Urban League, the Junior League of Greater Atlanta, and the Buckhead Rotary Club.
The Emory alumnus has also served as a board member of several prominent nonprofits, such as The Carter Center, Midtown Alliance and the Metro Chamber of Commerce.
Shipman will hold office until the end of his tenure in early 2026.
Correction: A previous version of this story noted that Shipman’s end of tenure in office was late 2025 rather than early 2026, as well as that Shipman was placed into office in November 2021 rather than elected.
Editor’s Note: Additional information on Shipman’s career has been added to story.
