AKRON, Ohio — Hours after Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan announced that he will not seek a third term in office, his deputy mayor put his hat in the ring to succeed him.
Marco Sommerville, who has served as Akron's Deputy Mayor for Intergovernmental Affairs since Horrigan took office in 2016, announced his candidacy for mayor of Akron in 2023.
"Mayor Horrigan has announced his decision not to seek re-election. He shared that decision with me some time ago. Having prior knowledge of his decision gave mean opportunity to reflect, consider, and discuss with my family the opportunity to further serve my city in a new capacity. Today, I am announcing my desire to further serve all of Akron and formally declaring my candidacy for Mayor," Sommerville stated in an email release.
Sommerville has been a fixture in Akron politics since 1987, when he was elected as councilman of Ward 3. He was re-elected to that position 12 times, while elevating to serve as the president of Akron City Council from 2001 until 2013.
In 2013, Sommerville became Akron's director of planning and urban development, before being tapped by Horrigan to serve as both deputy mayor for intergovernmental affairs and senior advisor to the mayor in 2016. More recently, Sommerville was appointed by Horrigan to serve as chair of the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority earlier this year.
"It has been an honor to serve as Deputy Mayor alongside Mayor Horrigan for the duration of his tenure," Sommerville added.
In addition to his political career, Sommerville founded Sommerville Funeral Services in 1982 and owned and operated the business until 2013, when he accepted the planning director position and turned things over to his daughter, Margo. Margo Sommerville was tapped to finish her father's term representing Ward 3 on Akron City Council and now serves as council president.
"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 joins a growing list of candidates for Akron mayor. In September, Akron City Councilman Shammas Malik announced his intention to run next year. Chapel Hill resident Joshua Schaffer has also filed. On Wednesday, Summit County Councilman Jeff Wilhite said he is running for mayor of Akron as well.
Horrigan announced on Tuesday afternoon he will not seek re-election in 2023. He confirmed the news in a statement released by his campaign, saying he had made the decision "after much consideration and self-reflection."
READ MORE: 'I've been blessed beyond belief': Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan announces he will not seek 3rd term
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