Following a tumultuous year for the mayor, Ginger Nelson has announced she will not be seeking reelection in May.

Nelson made the announcement in a Facebook post earlier today, stating that it is her “hope that announcing this decision early will create the best opportunity for our city to select its next mayor.” Her post also liked to a document listing several accomplishments.

This announcement follows the city government losing a lawsuit brought by businessman Alex Fairly. That lawsuit was brought in response to a plan by the City of Amarillo to fund Civic Center renovations using anticipation tax notes. Many, including Fairly, noted that this plan seemed to go against the will of voters who rejected a similar plan in 2020.

The Fairly lawsuit hasn't been the only scandal for the mayor this year. Nelson also earned scorn from supporters of gun rights after she called on Abbott to pass gun control legislation. During Nelson’s tenure, she also proposed a controversial plan to double the term lengths of her City Council through an amendment to the City Charter. Her plan was soundly defeated by voters in November 2020.

Filing for the next election begins in January.