Three-term Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey is not running for another term in 2017.
He made the announcement Friday afternoon at City Hall.
Morrissey became the city's youngest and only independent mayor when he was elected in 2005.
He's also only one of four mayors in Rockford's history to serve for 10+ years.
Three candidates have emerged for the position.
They include Aldermen Pam Connell and Tom McNamara, as well as community activist Rudy Valdez.
According to a copy of his prepared statements, Morrissey shared, "It is with a mixture of pride, optimism, and sadness, that after examining the successes and challenges we have had as a community, and the blessings and challenges I have had in my family, today I am announcing that I will not be a candidate in next year's election."
