Atlanta Councilman J.P. Matzigkeit Will Not Seek Re-election

BUCKHEAD, GA — Citing the time demands of the position, Atlanta councilman J.P. Matzigkeit announced he will not seek re-election when his term expires at the end of this year, the first-term councilman said on Tuesday.

Matzigkeit, who represents District 8, which includes the western half of Buckhead, said in a news release that his council work has become like a second full-time job. Matzigkeit also serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Wahoo Fitness in Atlanta, which launched in 2017 and which he began working for after spending the previous 14 years at Cox Enterprises.

Matzigkeit said in a news release Tuesday that the decision not to seek re-election is one he has been contemplating for some time. He said that questions about his commitment to the position began to surface after he filed a financial report with the city which showed he had not begun raising any money to seek a second term. Ultimately, carrying out both roles was too much, he said.

“My duties with the Council had become the equivalent of another full-time job, especially as my staff and I focus on constituent needs and work to maintain the standards to which Atlanta aspires,” Matzigkeit said in a statement Tuesday. “Two demanding full-time jobs for four years required more sacrifices than I anticipated.”

In the news release, Matzigkeit said his top priority has been to represent the residents who live within his district but that he has also made public safety and good government priorities during his term.

“To win election to Atlanta City Council four years ago was one of the highest honors I’ve ever received,” he said. “I am proud of the work we have done and will continue to do through the end of 2021. I’ve learned more than I imagined and have loved every minute of it.”