Portland’s District 2 City Councilor Victoria Pelletier speaks at an abortion rights protest in May 2022. Ben McCanna/Staff Photographer

Victoria Pelletier announced Monday that she won’t seek reelection to the Portland City Council this fall and has already endorsed one of three candidates who recently qualified for the District 2 race.

Pelletier said she won’t seek a second three-year term so she can focus on spending time with her family and she commended everyone “who takes the leap” into local office.

“It’s been a really valuable experience serving District 2,” Pelletier said in an email. “I appreciate all of the conversations, discussions and debates with my colleagues. Also, a special shoutout to District 2 and all the incredible people I got to meet over the past 3 years. Thank you for your advocacy and engagement, and I look forward to staying in touch!”

She also endorsed Wesley Pelletier, no relation, in the race to replace her. He’s one of three people who have qualified to run for the District 2 seat, along with Catherine Nekoie and Nancy English, according to the city’s website. Atiim Boykin also has submitted a nomination petition to the city clerk for the District 2 race, but those signatures have yet to be verified.

Victoria Pelletier said the next District 2 councilor, who represents the western half of the downtown peninsula, must continue to protect the interests of renters and amplify the needs of others who are often overlooked in city government.

“I believe Wes Pelletier will be a great choice as the next advocate for District 2, continuing to ensure Portland remains a place for all of us,” she said.

Three city council seats are up for election Nov. 5. District 1 Councilor Anna Trevorrow announced last month that she won’t seek reelection, and so far only Robert Todd Morse has qualified for the race to represent the eastern half of the downtown peninsula and the Casco Bay islands.

Councilor Roberto Rodriguez announced in March that he wouldn’t seek reelection to his at-large seat, which has drawn interest from several people who have taken out nomination papers, but only Brandon Mazer has qualified for that race so far.