Salisbury Mayor Paul Woodson on Tuesday announced he will not run for re-election.

Woodson, 69, has served for 18 years on the Salisbury City Council, the last four years as mayor. In a prepared statement, Woodson said his reasons for not running include spending time with his daughter on a book tour and focusing on family.

“Knowing that my time on council is coming to an end is bittersweet, but I feel confident that what we have put in place over the past 18 years will benefit Salisbury for years to come,” Woodson said in his statement. “Thank you again for all of the wonderful memories. It has been an honor to serve this city.”

Woodson joins Mayor Pro Tem Maggie Blackwell and Councilman Pete Kennedy in announcing they will not seek new terms. Council members Karen Alexander and Brian Miller are expected to file for re-election.

Candidates who have filed for the race as of noon Tuesday include bank executive and former council member Mark Lewis, attorney Todd Paris and computer engineer Roy Bentley.

Woodson said he may run for the city council at some point in the future, but decided to sit this year’s race out.

Contact reporter Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246