Mara Zúñiga, a 2022 mayoral contender and former Treasurer of the Clark County Republican Party, announced her bid for mayor in a press release Wednesday.
In her announcement, Zúñiga says she is a “results-driven” community advocate focused on housing affordability and homelessness, economic development, public safety, and infrastructure.
Zúñiga framed the race as a chance to reset City Hall’s relationship with neighborhoods and businesses, pledging rigorous budget oversight. Her campaign materials emphasize restoring confidence in local decision-making and creating broader opportunities for small businesses.
Zúñiga previously ran for the Athens mayoral seat in 2022 as a political newcomer and finished runner up to Mayor Kelly Girtz, winning about one-quarter of the vote against the incumbent.
Athens-Clarke County voters will elect a mayor on May 19, 2026. Zúñiga will run against candidates Tim Denson, Dr. LaKeisha Gantt, and Commissioner Dexter Fisher, with a June 16 runoff if no candidate earns a majority.
