Mayor Ann Campbell announced Wednesday that she will be not seeking re-election this fall.

Campbell, who has served the last three terms as the mayor of Ames, said that while November is still several months away, “candidate announcements have made it important to declare my plans now.”

Campbell ran unopposed for re-election in 2013 and served for 12 consecutive years in office – a possible record for Ames, according to a news release from the city. 

“I want to ensure Ames voters that, for the remainder of my term, I have no intention of being a ‘lame duck’ mayor or being any less attentive to the role as it relates to local, state and national issues,” she said.

“I want to thank the Ames voters for allowing me to fill this role for the last three terms. It has given me the opportunity to work with people from all walks of the Ames community. They represent a wide variety of cultural, social and political interests and concerns.”

Throughout her tenure as Ames mayor and as a community member, Campbell has served as a past board member of the League of Women Voters, Youth and Shelter Services and Heartland Senior Services. She also served as past president of the Iowa Peace Institute. 

“There couldn’t be a better community to serve as mayor. Ames is fueled by its people – diverse, invested and forward thinking,” Campbell said. “This is what makes Ames such a great place to live, work and play.”

As for the future of Ames leadership, Campbell said she trusts that the next mayor will embrace the same inclusive values she said she did. 

Victoria Szopinski, 60, announced in early March her plans to seek the mayoral position.