UPDATE: Darling Will Not Seek Re-Election

The City of Saint John will have a new mayor after the municipal elections in May.

Mayor Don Darling announced Wednesday his name would not be on the ballot.

It comes only a month after Darling said he would seek a second term as the city’s mayor.

“Since making a public declaration on February 8th, that I would seek another term as your mayor, something has not been right for me,” wrote Darling in a statement.

“My approach to being your mayor is intense and it requires a significant commitment. This has caused me to reexamine my decision.”

With deepest apologies to the people I have been proud to serve, my name will not be on the ballot on May 11, 2020.#saintjohn #growsj #grownb https://t.co/d4Fv13j1kF

— Don Darling (@dondarlingSJ) March 11, 2020

Darling said he is proud of the work he and his fellow councillors have done and the foundation that has been laid for the future.

“Many of the conversations have been very difficult, some of those conversations had not been had in many years and were not well received by those who love the status quo,” he said.

Darling said his approach to being mayor has been “intense and requires a significant commitment,” adding the role has taken a toll on him and his family.

“This decision was not made as a result of one event, meeting, or social media exchange. It is the result of a collection of experiences in a very challenging job,” he wrote.

Patrick Beamish, strategic advisor to the mayor’s office, said Darling is not taking any interviews at this time.

Voters will head to the polls on May 11. So far, no one else has publicly declared their intention to run for mayor.