CINCINNATI — Longtime Cincinnati City Council member David Mann conceded to Aftab Pureval, the Hamilton County Clerk, who will become the next mayor of Cincinnati 

Mann called Pureval around 10 p.m. to congratulate him and announced his concession shortly afterward. 

Mann, 81, has served the city of Cincinnati as a city council member for decades, a U.S. Congressman, and twice previously as mayor. 

Mann served for two years in the early 1980s and a short term in 1991. He was appointed both times. This was the first year he was on the ballot for mayor himself. 

In his concession speech, he said he's proud of the work he's done for the city over his decades in politics. He said he's not sure what is next for him, but he said he is not done at city hall. 

“I care a lot about this city and my kids and grandkids are here," Mann said. "I want to be the best possible citizen. I’ll find some way to make a contribution. I’m not ready to hang it up."

Mann said he decided to run for mayor this year because he felt the city needed strong leadership. Four city council members were indicted on felony charges in the last two years and Mann campaigned on his efforts to curb corruption over the past several months on city council.  

While he said he was not involved in any of those felony cases, Mann said he believes a desire to "clean house," convinced voters to choose his opponent.

"I think that there’s a sense that some things are not right at city hall and maybe we should just clean house and Dave’s a good guy and we don’t want his leadership right now,” he said. 

Mann said he hopes Pureval and the new city council are able to work as a team to make Cincinnati a better place to live, offering some advice as the newcomers enter city service.

“Dedicate yourselves to the best possible job," he said. "Don’t go down divisive directions, that doesn’t help the community. And work with the mayor and the city administration.”

After 25 years on city council, one term as the district's U.S. congressman, and two stints as mayor, he said he's proudest of his integrity throughout his political tenure.

“Plodding along, working hard, being honorable, being dedicated and principled that’s sort of been my mantra for all these years,” he said.