Twenty-two of the nation’s 100 most populous cities are holding mayoral elections this year, and so far, no mayors are voluntarily retiring. (Note: This analysis does not include Washington, D.C.)
An average of 63.4% of mayors ran for re-election between 2020 and 2025, and an average of 16.3% of mayors retired (not including term-limited mayors). An average of 17.5% of mayors were term-limited.
At least one mayor of a city holding elections in 2027 is retiring. Charlotte, North Carolina, Mayor Vi Lyles (D) will resign from office on June 30, 2026.
