Fuquay-Varina mayor announces he won't seek re-election after 20 years at the helm

Byrne has served as mayor of Fuquay-Varina for 20 years.

“I set goals when I became mayor. I made a commitment to those goals, and I’ve been able to achieve those goals along with the help of some fantastic town commissioners and a first-class town staff," Byrne said in a statement. "My wife and I are in good health, and we are at a stage in our lives where we want to do some things that require a time commitment that would frankly take away from the responsibilities of being mayor. This is a great opportunity to step down on a high note and transition to the next phase in our lives."

Byrne oversaw numerous projects, including efforts to complete the 7-mile Judd Parkway loop around the town and the refurbishment of a former Belk department store building into an arts center.

“It has been the greatest honor of my life to be Mayor of Fuquay-Varina," Byrne added.