OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — The field of candidates for Omaha mayor is beginning to clear up.
After dipping his toes into the water and filing initial paperwork, Douglas County Commissioner Jim Cavanaugh tells 3 News Now he is not running for mayor in 2021.
Cavanaugh, a Democrat who's served on the county board since 2015, says he's been busy spearheading pandemic relief programs and expects it'll take up much of his time.
He says he could do more as commissioner than as a candidate for mayor.
"You could do one or the other, but you couldn't do both," he said. "It was more important to me with the emergency to use my efforts to do the best I could for the community with what I got from where I'm at."
Democrat R.J. Neary reported over $200,000 in his campaign coffers. Cavanaugh says that fundraising did not play a factor in his decision.
Cavanaugh does say the city needs new leadership. Current Mayor Jean Stothert is seeking a third term.
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