Richfield Mayor Gonzalez Announces She Will Not Seek Reelection

RICHFIELD, MN —Richfield Mayor Maria Regan Gonzalez announced on social media last week that she will not seek reelection in the fall. Gonzalez's four-year term, her first, lasts until the end of the year.

Gonzalez, 36, said she plans to continue building healthy and inclusive communities while also prioritizing her family and trying to find greater balance.

"For the past five and a half years, I have had the pleasure and privilege of serving the city of Richfield: first, through two years as a city council member, followed by the last three and a half years as mayor," Gonzalez wrote.

"I thank our city staff, businesses, community-based organizations and, most importantly, our residents for the privilege of working with and leading alongside you."

Gonzalez said she is proud of the advancements she has made —alongside Richmond residents —while in public office.

"During this time (which included incredibly challenging and unprecedented circumstances) in our community and society), we have worked together advancing innovative and creative ways to address our most pressing challenges, while simultaneously lifting up the talents and contributions of our residents and our community assets," Gonzalez wrote.

Among her achievements, Gonzalez listed: making impactful improvements in expanding affordable housing and reducing racial inequalities in homeownership, making parks and programming more accessible to people, leading the way in building and modeling a transportation system for the future and taking steps to embed environmental sustainability and equity within Richfield.

"The achievements I am most proud of include countless opportunities to support the vision and leadership of our residents to help Richfield thrive," Gonzalez wrote. "From revitalizing community spaces, launching new small business and advocacy groups to creating art and neighborhood connections. These collective successes will benefit our community for generations."

Gonzalez told the Star Tribune that she loves her job as mayor, but that her decision not to seek reelection was based on the need to focus on her full-time career. She also is planning to start a family.

According to the Star Tribune, Gonzalez recently took a job as the director of equity initiatives with M Health Fairview and she also got engaged.