PHOTO: Courtesy of WLUK
GREEN BAY (WTAQ-WLUK) — A new mayor will be taking the reins in Green Bay next spring.
Mayor Eric Genrich announced Thursday afternoon he would not seek reelection to a third term. Genrich didn’t provide a reason for not running again but says he’s never been more optimistic about the future of the community.
“While I am as passionate today as I have ever been about public service, and I have never been more confident in the future we share as a community, this chapter with me as your Mayor will come to an end in April,” Genrich said in a statement. “That is just a change in roles, though, as I will never stop caring about this city.”
In his statement, Genrich looked back on his seven and a half years in office.
“By recognizing the power of partnership with local governments, nonprofits, and businesses, we have tackled problems big and small, and we have produced new, high-quality homes at a clip not seen in decades,” he said. “We prioritized the safety and resiliency of our citizens and our neighborhoods, and we have increased the pace at which we repair our local infrastructure by innovating to meet the needs of our residents in fiscally responsible ways.”
Genrich promised to continue to focus on the job through the end of his term.
“I have more than six months left until the end of my term, and I pledge to you, my fellow citizens, that I will serve you to the best of my ability until my last moment in office.”
Genrich said he would not do interviews on Thursday, but in June said he had no plans to seek a different office.
“I don’t see myself running for another office, if not for reelection. I don’t see that in the immediate future, but you kind of never say never.”
Before being elected mayor in 2019, Genrich served three terms in the state Assembly as a Democrat.
Genrich’s announcement leaves former Mayor Jim Schmitt as the only announced candidate for the April 6 election. Schmitt served as mayor from 2003-19 before deciding not to seek a fifth term.
“Look, it’s a tough job,” Schmitt said about Genrich’s announcement. “His family is growing and I think it was a family, personal decision. I wish him well. I’m sure he’s going to do something in the field of politics. But yeah, it’s great. I think he served his seven years. He’s young, he’s smart and I’m sure he’s going to find something else to do that’s going to make him happy.”
When Schmitt was in office, he helped bring term limits to the city’s government. No one can be mayor or on the Common Council for more than 12 consecutive years. Schmitt previously said he’s always been open to someone running again after taking a mandatory break.
More candidates will likely make announcements for this nonpartisan position between now and April. When Schmitt decided not to run, Genrich was part of an eight-person primary race.
City council President Alyssa Proffitt had the following statement about potentially running for mayor:
I’m strongly considering a run for Green Bay Mayor. I’ve had outreach from a number of neighbors and community leaders who’ve expressed interest and excitement in a 2027 mayoral campaign.
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