Rome will see a change in leadership at the start of the new year as the city prepares for a new mayor. Current Mayor Craig McDaniel announced Monday that he will not pursue another term.
McDaniel shared that he has decided to step away from the mayor’s role, noting that he still has two years remaining on the city commission but does not plan to seek an additional term. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and said living in Rome, Georgia, has been a privilege.
Reflecting on his time in office, McDaniel said the experience has been both rewarding and challenging. He recalled advice he received early in his public service, including warnings that the job would become more difficult over time and that holding public office can change personal relationships. Looking back, he acknowledged that those lessons proved to be accurate.
McDaniel was first selected as mayor by the city commission in 2021. Following two terms served by Sundai Stevenson, he was reappointed to the position for the 2024 and 2025 terms.
