After 11 years holding the title of mayor in the city of Windsor, Eddie Francis has announced he will not seek re-election in the fall.
It's a shocking move for city residents and to political counterparts -- in Windsor -- and beyond.
The focus now shifts to who will replace him.
"This was not an easy decision. I really think them through and give them a lot of thought but it's the right decision," says Francis.
After losing the liberal leadership bid to Kathleen Wynn, many say it's time for Sandra Pupatello to lead Windsor.
"If we have strength in the local economy and people have really good jobs, then the city has the wealth to do anything it wants with it's residents," Pupatello says.
Now as the CEO of the Windsor-Essex Economic Development Corporation, she says she's not planning on running, but...
"A lot in my life has never been planned," she says.
"She's still in town, in a high profile position, so she has some thinking to do," says University of Windsor professor Cheryl Collier.
"I think there are a few people out there who have considered running, but every time Eddie says he's going to run that a too formidable challenge for them and they're right," says Collier.
Bill Marra ran against Francis 10 years ago and lost.
"I remember the outcome 10 years ago. Regardless of the outcome, it was a good feeling to have a mayors race. It got council candidates excited," says Marra.
But Marra till hasn't officially announced if he will run this fall.
"It's a family commitment. It literally puts your life on hold," he adds.
Meanwhile, Franics says he's not out of the public spotlight just yet.
"I will play a role in this election. We worked hard to get to the point where we are. This is not one of the times I will sit on the sidelines."
