Racine Mayor Cory Mason says he will not seek reelection when his term ends in April 2027. Mason, who has led the city since winning a 2017 special election, plans to serve out his current term, leaving an open seat in the next mayoral race.
FOX6 News Milwaukee and WISN both reported Mason’s decision, though their reports gave different dates for the announcement. Mason said he believes it is time for new leadership. He won two full terms after first taking office in the 2017 special election, according to FOX6 News Milwaukee.
“After 20 years, with humility and gratitude, I believe now is the time to pass the torch of leadership on to the next generation,” Mason said, according to FOX6. He also cited his family in explaining the decision. Mason told Racine County Eye that his three children are in high school and that, if he sought another term, they would be gone by the time it ended.
The Open Seat and Mason’s Record
Mason’s most recent election was competitive. In 2023, he defeated challenger Henry Perez by 8,596 votes to 6,376, according to FOX6. That victory secured the term he now says will be his last.
Mason also pointed to more than $300 million in development investment during his tenure, including Belle City Square, the Breakwater, Hotel Verdant, and the Ajax and Gold Medal Lofts, WISN reported. The Heartland Post separately noted loft conversions in Uptown and apartment development at the former Walker Manufacturing site as part of the city’s building activity during Mason’s tenure.
What Remains of Racine’s Lead-Pipe Work?
Mason cited more than $60 million raised for the city’s lead-pipe effort, WISN reported; that account did not detail the funding sources. The Racine Water Utility says its inventory includes more than 11,326 service lines made of lead, galvanized or unknown material. That figure includes more than confirmed lead lines alone. The utility says it has been replacing lead service lines since fall 2016 and aims to replace all of them by 2037.
Mason also cited a 47% reduction in gun crime among the achievements of his time as mayor, though neither he nor WISN specified the time period or methodology behind that figure.
Priorities for Mason’s Remaining Months
Mason says he plans to use his remaining time in office to advance unfinished projects. According to WISN, he hopes to open the new Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center and health facilities next to Julian Thomas Elementary School before his term ends.
The succession race was beginning to take shape before Mason’s announcement. Racine police officer Gabrielle “Gabby” Hood launched her mayoral campaign in late April with an event in downtown Racine, Racine County Eye reported at the time. Community activist Isaiah Lambert had also declared his candidacy, according to that report. Mason’s decision means they will be running for an open seat rather than challenging the incumbent.
