AKRON, Ohio — Just days after Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan's announcement that he won't be running for a third term, he has endorsed a candidate for the 2023 Akron mayoral election.
RELATED: 'I've been blessed beyond belief': Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan announces he will not seek 3rd term
On Thursday morning, Mayor Horrigan released a statement that he is endorsing Akron Deputy Mayor for Intergovernmental Affairs Marco Sommerville in his campaign to be the next Mayor of Akron.
"Without hesitation, I endorse Marco Sommerville to be the next Mayor of Akron. Marco has been a dedicated public servant in the Akron community for over three decades," Mayor Horrigan said. "He has proven himself to be a champion of the people, always fighting for justice, equity, and accountability as he worked as a councilman, council president, and in city administration. I consider myself lucky to have had him by my side as Deputy Mayor and Senior Advisor during my tenure as Mayor. I am confident Marco is the best leader for Akron's future and I will proudly cast my vote for him in May."
Meanwhile, Horrigan was a guest on WAKR Radio's "The Ray Horner Show" on Thursday morning. He explained after sitting down with family and close friends recently to determine what's next. They all realized another term as mayor wasn't it.
"It's not an easy decision. It does involve a significant amount of emotion," Horrigan told Horner. "When you look at public service, you're serving the public first and not yourself. Hopefully you try to get people in there who do the same thing."
So far, four candidates have filed to run in the 2023 Akron mayoral race:
- Akron City Councilman Shammas Malik
- Chapel Hill resident Joshua Schaffer
- Akron's Deputy Mayor for Intergovernmental Affairs Marco Sommerville
- Summit County Councilman Jeff Wilhite
Sommerville has worked alongside Mayor Horrigan since he took office in 2016.
"I love the city of Akron deeply. It is where I was born, raised, married my wife, raised my children, bought my home, and grew a successful business," Sommerville stated. "My commitment to this city, the continued growth of our economy, and the well-being of everyone who calls this great city home is unwavering. It is for these reasons that I announce my candidacy for the 63rd Mayor of Akron."
Sommerville has served in a variety of positions within Akron politics since 1987, when he was elected as councilman of Ward 3. Between 2001-2013, Sommerville served as the president of Akron City Council. Prior to his current role, Sommerville served as Akron's director of planning and urban development.
"It has been an honor to serve as Deputy Mayor alongside Mayor Horrigan for the duration of his tenure," Sommerville said in a statement earlier this week.