The Cities Blog

Schiff to file papers for possible mayoral bid

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Minneapolis City Council Member Gary Schiff will file papers today so he can spend and raise money as he considers whether to run for mayor.

Schiff is forming the exploratory committee just in time for his fundraiser tonight at Dangerous Man Brewing Co. in the northeast part of the city.

Schiff says he'll decide next month whether to actually run for mayor. Incumbent R.T. Rybak has said he'll announce by year's end whether to seek a fourth term.

If Rybak decides not to run, there will be a crowded field of candidates looking to replace him.

Council Member Betsy Hodges formed her own exploratory committee last month, but she says she'll step aside if Rybak wants to stay. School Board Member Hussein Samatar also says he'll run if Rybak doesn't, and former Council President Jackie Cherryhomes is "seriously considering" jumping in, but only if Rybak jumps out.

Schiff on the other hand has never been one to defer to the current mayor, and he says he'll "leave the door open" to running against him, in spite of Rybak's perceived popularity.

"Elections are always about the future and what people want to see moving forward," Schiff said. "They're never about the past."