District 3

Michael Flaherty’s sudden announcement that he would not seek re-election to the City Council — little more than a week after signatures were due — has cast a spotlight on the race for the four at-large seats on the 13-member body.

In a process its Civil Rights Committee Chairwoman Ruthzee Louijeune called contentious, the Boston City Council has passed a second redistricting map with a 10-2 vote, sending the map to Mayor Michelle Wu’s desk for approval.

Following a ruling by a federal judge that blocked a new redistricting map for the Boston City Council, the two Black candidates vying for the District 3 seat in eastern Dorchester said they’re continuing with business as usual.

Boston schoolteacher Joel Richards kicked off his campaign for the District 3 City Council seat Friday, promising to fight to make Boston a city where all of its residents can thrive.

Boston schoolteacher Joel Richards announced Monday he will challenge District 3 City Councilor Frank Baker in next year’s municipal election, telling the Banner he wants to address issues including public education, the high cost of housing and public transportation in the city.

A coalition of South Boston-based organizations and activists have filed a lawsuit against the Boston City Council in an attempt to overturn a redistricting map the body passed by a 9-4 vote on Oct. 26.