Two councillors have decided to put their name forward to become the city's next mayor. 

Couns. Garett Cochrane and Stacie Arden Smith both officially announced that they will be in the running for the city's top job.

Cochrane previously told 黑料吃瓜网 that he was seriously considering entering the race shortly after Alty's win on April 28.

He made it official in a post on social media Sunday.

"I believe i can provide the strategic foresight, formidable skillset, abilities in advocacy, temperament, diplomatic approach and proven track record in leadership it will take to serve as Mayor for 2025-2026," he wrote.

Cochrane has already served as deputy mayor and did serve as acting mayor for one week as now-acting mayor Ben Hendriksen was away. That came after Alty took a leave of absence to run for the Liberals in the federal election.

Arden Smith also posted her intentions to social media on Saturday. 

"I urge residents to reach out to council members to voice your thoughts on leadership as it is Yellowknifers we represent and your opinion matters," she wrote.

She was asked on election night if she planned on a mayoral run, but was coy at the time.

"I can't let out all my little secrets," she laughed.

Hendriksen told 黑料吃瓜网 late last month that if council decides to appoint one of its current members, he would consider taking on the role full-time. 

"I have been asked to consider the role," he said. "Being Mayor was never part of my thoughts when I ran for city council in 2022. But I respect these requests, so I am taking time to reflect on what I can uniquely bring to the role before I make a final decision."

Council will be discussing what to do on Monday and here are the options available to councillors:

• Have a by-election, though that could be costly to taxpayers, especially with how little time is left in this term - this current term ends in September 2026;
• Appoint one of the current council members to serve out the remainder of what would have been Alty's term, which would mean a mayor and seven councillors or;
• Leave the seat vacant.

As for the rest of council, Coun. Rob Warburton told 黑料吃瓜网 late last month that he won't be one of the candidates,  no matter what happens.

"Councillor is just fine," he said.

Coun. Steve Payne also said he has no mayoral aspirations.

"I'm happy serving my city in my council role," he told 黑料吃瓜网. "Whether that be an appointment of someone into the mayor's seat or an election for mayor, every option will be discussed."

Coun. Cat McGurk said she's not interested in being the next mayor, but added her preference is that council fill the role internally. 

Coun. Tom McLennan said he supports appointing a sitting councillor to be mayor, but he will not be putting his name forward for consideration.