The race to replace City Council President Steve McAllister will be split between three candidates seeking the Democratic nomination, as Stephen Mulcahey has entered the race.

Mulcahey is the former chair of the Burrillville Town Democrats and current recording secretary and executive board member of the Rhode Island Democrats. He’s lived in Greenwood for the past six years.

Mulcahey said that he had been interested in serving Greenwood since he first moved, and thought he should try running to represent his community following McAllister’s announcement that he would not seek reelection this year.

One of his top priorities, should he be elected, is taking action to help out the city’s senior population.

“[I would] pursue federal grants to create a new city Senior Advocate- someone who’s just going to work with seniors in the community, help them navigate housing, healthcare, social services,” Mulcahey said. “Every year, they have to reapply for their Medicare, and it’s a challenge. I’ve seen my mother struggle through it. And if we were able to get someone to be that advocate in the city through federal grants with no cost to the taxpayers, I think that’s a win.”

In addition to seniors, Mulcahey’s other main focuses are on Warwick’s students, hoping to expand the city’s Learn365 program, and on healthcare, where he hopes to consolidate services for all municipal employees.

Mulcahey said that while he would only be representing one ward, he would try to effect positive change throughout the whole city.

“Those are at a macro level- not just in the ward, but all over the city,” Mulcahey said.

The other major tenets of Mulcahey’s plan are ensuring proper training and materials are available for first responders and pushing for improvements in Apponaug.

Following in McAllister’s footsteps, Mulcahey said, was something that would be an honor to him, describing McAllister’s impact on the ward as strong.

“He’s led as a leader does- not by a loud voice, but by results,” Mulcahey said. “And you can see the results in where we are going- there’s businesses moving into the city, taxes have been held fairly steady as there’s a lot of growth here, and there’s a lot more to do.”

He also hopes to receive McAllister’s endorsement.

The Ward 7 Democratic primary is likely to be one of the city’s most hotly contested, with Jackie Anderson and John Kirby already announced as fellow candidates.

Mulcahey said that what sets him apart from his primary opponents is what he plans to do if he’s elected.

“I have a plan that I’m going to work towards on day one,” Mulcahey said. “I don’t have esoteric ideas- I have a plan to keep Warwick moving forward. I believe I have the background; I believe I have the temperament, and I believe I have the ability to speak with municipal and state leaders to help get the job done.”

Mulcahey said his message for the voters of Ward 7 is simple- that he can move the ward, and the city, forward into the future.

“I’ve already talked with residents and discussed these points, and people understand what we’re saying, people have been very positive in their response,” Mulcahey said. “So I would say we’re going to work to move Warwick forward.”