Waveland Mayor Mike Smith will not seek re-election. ‘I truly love this city.’

Waveland Mayor Mike Smith will not seek re-election, he announced Tuesday on Facebook.

Smith said in the post he’s been dealing with health issues since February and decided to not seek third term after consulting his doctor.

“This decision was not an easy one to make and was based purely on my personal health. I truly love this city and all of the residents,” Smith said.

“It was of great privilege for me to work for you and I want to thank each and everyone of you for the kindness and support that you have shown to my family and I.”

In the post Smith said the decision was made with a “heavy heart,” but his medical condition “requires ongoing treatment and frequent monitoring.”

Smith took office in January 2015 and in his first year focused on rebuilding the city that was devastated in Hurricane Katrina and cleaning up blighted properties.

Smith also wanted to focus on bringing more housing, business and entertainment to city. One of the most popular events in the city is a monthly Food Truck Friday.

The first primary for the election is scheduled for Oct. 4 and, if necessary, a runoff is scheduled for Oct. 25. The general election will be held on Dec. 6, according to the Sea Coast Echo.

Waveland is on a different municipal election cycle than the rest of the Mississippi Coast.

This story was originally published July 5, 2022 at 4:24 PM.