McKnight Says He Won't Run Again

There will be one more open seat during this year's mid-term municipal elections in Hyattsville. City Councilor and Hyattsville Council President Matt McKnight (Ward 3) announced that he will not be running for re-election. 

McKnight announced his decision in a brief statement earlier this morning. 

"I have decided not to run for re-election to serve as a representative for Ward 3. Job-related considerations, family dynamics, and a host of other factors lead me to believe that this is the best decision all-around," wrote McKnight in his announcement. 

McKnight, a first term city council member, was elected back in 2009 in a tight race with current fellow Ward 3 Councilor Tim Hunt, as well as Scott Wilson and Alaa Yousef. Hunt was later elected to his current seat in 2011.

"Over the past three and a half years, it has been my privilege to serve as your representative on the Hyattsville City Council and also as the City Council President," said McKnight in his announcement. "A lot has happened during that time, much of which I am very proud of. I think we have largely moved the ball forward in the City during that time."

After being elected, McKnight won a tight race to be the Council President, a position which works closely with the Mayor and Council Vice President on the city council's Executive Committee. The Executive Committee wields a lot of power, with almost complete control over the city council agenda. Its meetings are not open to the public.

McKnight's announcement now means that only two of Hyattsville's incumbent city council members will be seeking re-election this spring.

Hyattsville's mid-term council elections are less than six months away, set to be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2013. Half of Hyattsville's 10 city council members will be up for election, with one seat from each of the city's five wards to be contested over the coming months. The mayor's seat is not up for election until 2015.

The seats held by councilors Eric Wingard (Ward 1), David Hiles (Ward 2), Matt McKnight, Lizanne and Frazier will all be contested.