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Mayor Sorace won’t seek a third term

Mayor Danene Sorace

Danene Sorace announced Thursday that she will not seek a third term as Lancaster’s mayor.

Her tenure leading Lancaster has been “the honor of my life” she said in a video posted on social media. However, “believing that communities benefit from new leadership,” she is focusing on completing her term and will not run for re-election next year, she said.

In an interview with WGAL, she said she hasn’t decided on her next endeavor, but is ready for whatever it is.

Sorace, a Democrat, served four years on City Council before winning election in 2017, succeeding three-term mayor Rick Gray. She was re-elected in 2021.

In the video, she touted accomplishments including the city’s investments in lead abatement and safe streets, its largest-ever investment in affordable housing and the decision to pursue home rule.

She also noted the challenges her administration has faced, including the Covid-19 pandemic and the protests for racial justice in 2020.

Lancaster renewed its commitment to racial justice and doubled down on its commitment to welcoming and loving all community members, the mayor said.

Marshall Miller, chair of the city Democratic Committee, told LNP it will begin reviewing mayoral candidates’ qualifications after the November election. Sorace has been one of Lancaster’s best mayors and “we’re really going to miss her,” he said.