WORCESTER, Mass. - Worcester Mayor Joe Petty will finish his term as mayor after losing in Tuesday night's primary to Democrat Robyn Kennedy.

Petty formally announced his plans in March to run for the state Senate's 1st Worcester District. Kennedy had announced a week prior. 

Petty is the longest-serving mayor of Worcester and said he will decide on whether to seek re-election in the coming months. 

"There is a lot to do as mayor still so I'll hit the ground running as mayor today at a number of events I'll be attending," Petty said. "I love the city and in some ways I enjoy being the mayor so its going to be interesting over the next several months."

Petty thanked his team and everyone who voted for him. He said he will also be supporting Kennedy going forward.