Following the announcement by Sullivan County Mayor Richard Venable that he will not pursue re-election, Angie Stanley has declared her intention to vie for the position once again.

On Monday, Venable made public his decision not to continue serving another term as county mayor. Venable, who has held the position for 15 years and served previously from 2002 to 2006, will be stepping down.

Stanley ran against Venable in the Republican primary in 2022 and lost by a narrow margin of less than 200 votes.

In a news release on Tuesday, Stanley announced she was formally launching a campaign for county mayor.

Stanley has been elected to the Sullivan County Commission twice and has also served on the county’s board of education.

Stanley, a small business owner and lifetime resident of Sullivan County, stated in a press release her plans to hold town halls and listening sessions soon to engage with the community.

“I love our county. It’s my home and it deserves leadership that listens, acts wisely, and is

Stanley emphasized the need for accountability, highlighting in the release how ongoing decisions have led to increased debt burdens on working families and small businesses. She reiterated the necessity for change.

Venable’s term ends on Aug. 31, 2026. The county primary elections will be held May 5, 2026, with the general election following on Aug. 6.

“I’m not running to maintain the status quo,” Stanley stated. “I’m running to return integrity,

She advocates for enhanced transparency and careful management within county government. According to Stanley, it’s crucial to elect a mayor who prioritizes taxpayers, emphasizes wise financial decisions, and consistently delivers tangible outcomes instead of political rewards.

“My goal is to rebuild trust in local government and put Sullivan County on a sustainable,

equitable path. Together, we can ensure a prosperous future for every community.”