Just two days after running unopposed for re-election to the City Council, Dan Rourke has secured the minimum number of commitments required to become Lowell’s next Mayor.

Fellow councilors John Leahy, Paul Ratha Yem, John Descoteaux and current Mayor Sokhary Chau made their support public yesterday. This afternoon, District 5 (South Lowell) Councilor Kim Scott confirmed speculation following the election that she, too, will vote for Rourke.

“After careful consideration, I have decided to vote for Dan Rourke to lead the City Council in our next term,” Scott writes to InsideLowell. “Observing Councilor Rourke, first as a resident and the past two years as a colleague, I have found him to be a dedicated and hardworking public servant, as well as a powerful advocate for the city. He and I share similar visions for Lowell, and even when we disagree on issues, I have found him respectful and thoughtful in our discussions about them. I appreciate his loyalty and the fact his word is his bond, a principle I wholeheartedly share.

Adding in Rourke’s own vote, he now has at least the minimum number of six votes required to become Mayor when the next council is sworn into office in January.

Councilor Vesna Nuon, who pursued the position and received votes in 2019 and 2021, stated his interest in serving as Mayor to InsideLowell and received support from fellow Councilor Wayne Jenness.

Earlier this afternoon, District 2 Councilor Corey Robinson released a statement of support for former Mayor Rita Mericer, who has not publicly declared her intention to seek the office as of yet.

To this point, ticket topper Erik Gitschier has not announced support for any candidate, though he did respond yesterday to speculation that he was interested in the position himself.

The next Mayor will be formally selected immediately after the new council is seated January

Full Statement from City Councilor Kim Scott:

“With the election now behind us, I’d first like to express my sincere appreciation to all who supported me, as well as everyone who turned out to vote this past Tuesday. Congratulations as well to all the candidates who put their name on the ballot and sacrificed their time and effort on behalf of the city.

“After careful consideration, I have decided to vote for Dan Rourke to lead the City Council in our next term.

Observing Councilor Rourke, first as a resident and the past two years as a colleague, I have found him to be a dedicated and hardworking public servant, as well as a powerful advocate for the city. He and I share similar visions for Lowell, and even when we disagree on issues, I have found him respectful and thoughtful in our discussions about them. I appreciate his loyalty and the fact his word is his bond, a principle I wholeheartedly share.

I look forward to joining Councilor Rourke and all of my fellow councilors in January, as we continue the progress that began under this current council.”