Engineer and former city employee Diane Desotelle has announced she is running for the Duluth City Council District 2 seat following Councilor Mike Mayou’s announcement that he would not be seeking reelection.

She stood with dozens of supporters at city hall on Tuesday at 12pm. “I believe in Duluth,” she said.

“As a citizen I’ve seen what can be accomplished when your city councilor listens to you and works with you,” said Desotelle. “With Mike Mayou not running for reelection, I want to be the person working with the residents of District 2. I’m aware of the challenges facing our city. I’m ready to get to work.”

Desotelle, who is now retired, previously worked as a civil engineer and natural resource planner. She also served as Duluth’s first Natural Resources Coordinator. She also stated that her background includes being a small business owner, teacher, union member, and advocate for affordable housing.

She lives in the Congdon neighborhood with her husband where they raised their two sons.