Friday's announcement by the 77-year-old Wilder likely brings to a close the political career of the nation's first elected black governor.
The grandson of slaves announced his plans first in a meeting with Richmond city department directors, then in a news release.
Elected mayor in 2004 with about 80 percent of the vote, the Democrat's approval has plunged amid poor relations with City Council and the school board.
Wilder became a historic figure with his election as Virginia's governor in 1989. This year, he has been an early an influential backer of Barack Obama's presidential bid.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)