PITTSFIELD, Mass. - Pittsfield Mayor Linda Tyer confirmed Friday that she will not be seeking reelection this fall.

"I just think from a professional standpoint, this is the right time for me to step aside," Tyer said.

Tyer is in her second four-year term as mayor. She was first elected in 2015 and previously served as the Ward 3 city councilor and as city clerk. She was elected president of the Massachusetts Mayors' Association in January 2022.

In an interview with Spectrum News 1, Tyer said it will be good for the city to experience new leadership.

"I think it's good for the community to have a robust debate about the future of our city, and that's what elections do, bring about conversations," Tyer said. "It's a competition of ideas and accomplishments. There comes a point in every community where new leadership might be in the best interest in the future of our city."

Two candidates had already announced their intentions to run for mayor this year - current city council president Peter Marchetti and former city council vice president John Krol. Both candidates had said they would be running regardless of if Tyer decided to seek a third term.

The city announced Friday nomination papers for the election will be available starting Monday, April 3.