Yesterday’s news that John Drinkwater would not seek a third term on the City Council shook up what was destined to be an uneventful at-large race. What few expected was how the news could shake up what was going to be an uneventful District Race.

A source close to Corey Robinson tells InsideLowell the District 2 (Centralville) City Councilor is now weighing a run for one of the three at-large seats on the Council.

Robinson steamrolled through the first ever Centralville District elections, garnering 69% of the vote in the 3-person Preliminary, before upping that total to 73% in the General Election. To this veteran observer, the first-time candidate’s performance in both races was one of the most impressive in Lowell City Council history and made it highly unlikely a legitimate challenge to him could be mounted in 2023.

While Robinson did not respond to multiple requests for comment on the speculation, the source familiar with his thinking says “Corey likes to keep his options open.”

Depending on which option Robinson chooses, what was thought to be an enticing at-large race could suddenly be less attractive less than 24-hours after Drinkwater opened the door in the city-wide race. The drama would then instantly shift to District 2, where a number of candidates could emerge, perhaps enough to force a preliminary.

Stay with InsideLowell as this story and political season continues to develop.