A member of the Eureka Springs City Council says he’s running for mayor.

Steve Holifield, who also serves as chair of the city advertising and promotion commission, confirmed on Monday, Dec. 22, his intentions to run for the seat held by Butch Berry since 2015.

“Yes, I am planning on running for Mayor of Eureka Springs next November,” Holifield wrote via email to the Times-Echo. “I have been approached by several people asking me to run, and after much reflection, I have decided to run.”

Holifield has gotten involved in many aspects of city government since he retired to the area, frequently commenting at council meetings about attending or watching the various commission meetings to stay on top of what’s going on in the city.

“I moved to Eureka Springs thirteen years ago after I retired because it is a great place to live and I’d like to do my part in keeping it a great place to live,” Holifield wrote. “We are a tourist town and that is how many people make their living here and I support businesses and jobs but I also want to listen to the residents, like me, who moved here because it is a great place to live.

“I have also found what’s good for the residents is also good for the tourists, like fixing our sidewalks.”

Holifield is serving in his second two-year stint as a city council member, and plans on completing his term.

“I plan on staying and completing my second term, it is a commitment,” he wrote.

Berry, who was elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2018 and 2022, said Monday Dec. 22, he had not decided yet whether he would be seeking a fourth term.

“I have not made any decision at this time,” the mayor said via email.