New Bedford Ward 5 City Councilor Scott Lima told WBSM's SouthCoast Tonight hosts Chris McCarthy and Marcus Ferro on Friday that he will not seek re-election in Ward 5 this fall.

"Today, I've announced that I will not run for re-election as the Ward 5 City Councilor and as of now, I plan to serve out my current term which ends on December 31, 2023," Lima said in a statement to WBSM.

Lima was first elected to represent Ward 5 on the City Council in 2017. He defeated Southeastern Realtor Association President Paul Chasse in an open-seat election to succeed outgoing Councilor Kerry Winterson.

Lima ran unopposed for re-election in 2019, and won again in 2021 by defeating community activist Zach Boyer.

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Councilor Lima boasts a professional background in finance and real estate, as well as a long history of community engagement.

Among other community endeavors, Lima currently serves as a Committee Chair on the New Bedford Ocean Cluster, has served on the Cape Verdean Advisory Committee for the New Bedford Whaling Museum, and sat on the Board of Directors for the Whaling Historic Area League (WHALE).

Ward 5 is comprised mostly of New Bedford's West End neighborhoods surrounding Buttonwood Park.

Lima's decision not to seek re-election means there will be an open council seat up for grabs this election cycle in one of the highest voter turnout areas in the city.

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