InsideLowell has learned that John Drinkwater will not seek re-election to the Lowell City Council this fall.

The two-term incumbent, who first won election to the Council in 2019, had indicated to IL in early January that he was undecided on seeking another term, but that he would make his decision known “soon” to allow others considering a run ample time to mount a campaign.

When asked for comment, Drinkwater released the following statement to InsideLowell:

“After a significant amount of thought and consideration over the past several months, I have decided not to seek re-election for a third term on the Lowell City Council. While serving as a City Councilor for the past three-plus years has been an honor that I have enjoyed immensely, and one that I feel I have been able to successfully balance with a full professional and family life, it has become apparent to me that that balance will become increasingly difficult to maintain in the coming years.  I am incredibly lucky to have three kids whose growing list of activities fills up the family calendar, and like so many other parents out there, I hate to miss a single moment. The time and energy needed to serve the residents of Lowell with the level of commitment that they expect and deserve is substantial, and following the completion of this term, I look forward to devoting more of that time and energy to the constituents who need me most – at home, and of course at the ballfields and rinks. While my family was certainly a major consideration in reaching this decision, they are also the precise reason why my commitment to the future of Lowell remains as strong as ever, and why I plan to remain engaged in our community while looking for new ways to contribute in 2024 and beyond.”

Drinkwater’s absence from the race should help generate interest in a race observers anticipated would draw few, if any challengers. The three incumbents at large Councilors, Drinkwater, Vesna Nuon and Rita Mercier, easily secured election in 2021, the first year under Lowell’s hybrid system. Nuon, who topped the ticket in 2017 and 2021, and Mercier, the top vote-getter in every other city election beginning in 1997, are widely expected to do so again this November. With Drinkwater, who finished a strong third in both of his races, not running, the door is open for a newcomer or past candidate to secure a spot on the next Council.

All other incumbents, both District and At-Large, confirmed to InsideLowell they are running again this fall.