’12 years is long enough’: Halifax Mayor Mike Savage won’t run in next election

Halifax Mayor Mike Savage says he won’t be running in the next municipal election, after serving in the role for more than a decade.

During a news conference Tuesday, Savage said it was a “difficult decision, but it passes the test.”

“Being mayor has been the best job that I’ve ever had,” he said. “Twelve years is long enough. Time for me to plan for life after being mayor.”

He said he will continue to do his job “with enthusiasm” for the next eight months, focusing on issues such as homelessness, affordability, social equity and climate change.

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Savage said he does not know what he will do next, but he does not plan to retire from work.

He thanked his council colleagues and everyone who has supported him throughout his time as mayor.

Savage, the son of former Liberal premier John Savage, was first elected as mayor of Halifax Regional Municipality in 2012, and was re-elected in 2016 and again in 2020.

Prior to becoming mayor, Savage served as a Liberal Member of Parliament for the riding of Dartmouth—Cole Harbour from 2004 to 2011.

Fall election

The next municipal election is scheduled to take place Oct. 19, at which point council is bound to look very different.

A number of councillors have already said they will not be running again, including Lisa Blackburn, Shawn Cleary and Tim Outhit.

Councillors Lindell Smith and Waye Mason also won’t be reoffering in the next election, though Mason told CityNews last month that he would consider running for mayor if Savage doesn’t run again.

Asked about his intentions Tuesday, Mason said it was not the day to make any announcements.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston thanked Savage for his years of service.

“He has been a valuable partner as we tackle the challenges of growth in across the municipality,” he said.

“I look forward to continuing to work with him as he finishes his term and wish him all the best for the next chapter.”