Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto confirmed on Twitter on Wednesday night that he plans to seek a third term as mayor.
The announcement comes as no surprise as Peduto, 54, who is serving a second four-year term, has repeatedly said he would consider a third campaign before ending his political career.
The Point Breeze Democrat, a former city councilman, was first elected mayor in 2013. He won re-election in 2017.
Wednesday’s tweet came as Peduto responded on Twitter to comparisons between the fatal 2018 shooting of Antwon Rose II by an East Pittsburgh police officer and Sunday’s shooting of off-duty Pittsburgh police Officer Calvin Hall, who died Wednesday.
The mayor said he would again run in 2021 after someone suggested it was time for him to “close out.”
Running for re-election in 2021. Bring it.
— bill peduto (@billpeduto) July 18, 2019
Peduto has told the Tribune-Review on more than one occasion that he has no desire to seek higher office. Echoing a phrase from late Steelers Coach Chuck Noll, Peduto has said he would seek to do his “life’s work,” including a job in academia and the nonprofit sector, after serving a third term.
2021. Then find my life’s work. No more politics after that, if I am re-elected, for me. All I wanted is to work for the city of Pittsburgh. Still have work to do.
— bill peduto (@billpeduto) July 18, 2019
