A city council member is throwing his hat in the ring for mayor.

Donald Shearer, city council’s Republican accounts and finance director, announced his Butler mayoral candidacy Tuesday, Jan. 14, after serving in his current role since November 2021. His current term expires January 2026.

“After serving as director of accounts and finance on city council, I realized that I could do even more for Butler as mayor,” Shearer said Monday in a news release. “My experience working with the city finances and budget has shown me both the opportunities and challenges we face.”

Shearer continued that Main Street has seen progress, but the surrounding neighborhoods need a strategic comprehensive plan to thrive. He plans to prioritize neighborhood revitalization by directing Butler Area Sewer Authority sale proceeds toward improving property values and infrastructure.

He also wants to collaborate with public safety officials to address substance use and housing.

“As the son of a 43-year police veteran, my support for law enforcement runs deep,” Shearer said. “I am committed to ensuring our public safety officials have the resources needed to keep Butler safe.”

Shearer spearheaded the rental ordinance to address blight and slum housing and advocated to hire a second code enforcement officer, approved in the 2025, budget, and modernized city processes during his term.

Before city council, Shearer was named the 2016 Volunteer of the Year for downtown and served as the Butler Fall Festival president when it returned in 2023.

Shearer received more than 30% of the vote in his 2021 election. He ran as a write-in candidate in the primary and was on the ballot in the November election.