The City of Ames will be home to a new mayor next year.

Ames Mayor Ted Tedesco has spent the last 17 years involved in various aspects of city government, serving the last eight years as mayor, and he officially announced Monday that he will not run for re-election.

Tedesco said he wanted to spend more time with his family and travel.

“We have three grandsons across the country and would like to spend a little time traveling and a little more time with our grandsons,” he said. “I can only tell you that it certainly has been a life-altering experience for me to represent this community that I’ve lived in now for 51 years.”

Tedesco said he is very proud of how far the Ames community has progressed during his time involved with the city government.

“I can not tell you how proud I am of this community, we are used as a benchmark around the country,” he said. “I am proud of the relationship with Iowa State and I know a lot of good people are willing to work to keep Ames a star in city government.”

Russ Cross, city councilman, said the mayor has done an outstanding job and dedicated a considerable amount of time to the city.

“The mayor has devoted countless hours to helping the City of Ames and has focused a significant amount of time on city issues that are impacted by the state government,” Cross said. “He’s continually worked on trying to include Ames in the decision-making processes and worked diligently on the one community effort.”

Tedesco said he will not endorse any candidates to fill his position.

“I think it’s appropriate that I stay out of the race,” he said. “The people considering running should make their own announcements.”

Former City Council member Ann Campbell has been mentioned as a candidate for mayor, but could not be reached for comment.

“Regardless of who the new mayor is, they will have their own focus and their own style and their own sense of what needs to be accomplished in cooperation with the City Council,” Cross said.