"but it also could lead to someone else getting some more of the limelight"

Who?

Unfortunately, since Petty has been on the job so long, no other legit sane contender has stepped up.

Colorio is maybe the only other person who's been gunning for the mayor seat for so long now. And she is anything but sane.

Unless someone else steps up, it feels inevitable that batshit lady will take his seat next few years.