By ALEX MALM

While it appeared as of the declaration deadline Wednesday that all General Assembly and School Committee seats face contests this year, a majority of incumbent council members and Mayor Frank Picozzi are without challenges as of the print deadline for the Beacon.

Earlier this week there was some social media buzz that Senate Majority Leader Michael McCaffrey, who announced he would not seek reelection after serving 28 years would run for mayor.

Picozzi in a Facebook post on Tuesday dispelled the speculation.

“There’s a rumor being spread that Senator Michael McCaffrey is planning to run against me for Mayor,” the post reads. “It’s complete nonsense. Mike announced yesterday that he wouldn’t seek re-election to the Senate. The rumor about running against me started this morning and as soon as he heard it, Mike called me to say it was false and that he supports me. Some people just have nothing better to do.”

In an interview Monday, McCaffrey said he would not be running for any other elective office this year. Here’s the lineup as of 3 p.m. Wednesday.

Ward 1

Ward 1 City Councilor Bill Foley who was elected in 2020 is looking to defend his seat in the Democratic Primary against Barry Cook who previously served as an elected official in East Providence.

In a statement Cook said “my decision to do so was based on thoughtful deliberation and in consultation with my wife Cynthia.”

“I believe that my professional and life’s experiences provide me with unique insight into the many important challenges our city faces now and into the future,” said Cook.

Cook said his career includes being a Vice President of a multibillion dollar financial institution, and also serving as a  former East Providence Assistant Mayor and Councilman, serving as former Vice Chairman of the East Providence Housing Authority , and serving on a number of different boards and committees.

“I look forward to meeting my Ward 1 neighbors over the weeks to come,” said Cook.

Ward 4

In the Ward 4 race Mike Penta, a small business owner who has been active in the community for a number of years is set to face off against Councilman Jim McElroy.

Penta is no stranger to running for office after running for state rep in 2016 and in the Ward 4 race in 2018 losing to McElroy who replaced the late Mayor Joseph Solomon after he was elected as Mayor.

Declaring on Wednesday was Ryan Kelly who is set to run as a Republican.

Ward 5

In the Ward 5 Council race Councilman Ed Ladouceur is looking to defend his seat against Independent Michael Koerner.

Ward 9

Former Warwick Republican City Committee Chairman Tony Corrente was originally talking about running in Ward 9 race against Councilman Vincent Gebhart however, in a statement Wednesday he said that is no longer a candidate.

“Due to increased commitments in life, I will not be able to dedicate the time I feel is necessary to be an effective and responsive Councilman. I will therefore not be a candidate for office this election cycle,” said Corrente.

Uncontested

Ward 2 Councilman Jeremy Rix, Ward 3 Councilman Tim Howe, Ward 6 Councilwoman Donna Travis, Ward 7 Councilman Steve McAllister, Ward 8 Councilman Anthony Sinapi, and Ward 9 Councilman Vincent Gebhart all are running unopposed.