Pittsburgh City Council President Doug Shields announced today that he will not challenge Mayor Luke Ravenstahl in the May Democratic primary.

"A lot of people certainly were encouraging me as we took a serious look at this," Mr. Shields said. We came to the conclusion that the best thing for me is to remain the council president and continue to serve the city that way."

The only announced Democratic challenger is Hill District attorney Carmen Robinson.

Councilman Patrick Dowd has said he is considering a bid.