Starting in January, the City of Erie will have a new mayor. Democrat, Daria Devlin will face off against Republican, Matt Thomas in November. This comes after incumbent, Joe Schember lost by a few hundred votes to Devlin on Tuesday night.

Just hours after he learned he will not be re-elected for a third term, Erie Mayor, Joe Schember had a full day of commitments as he continues to lead the city.


"I had to get up at 6:30, I was into work by 7:30, I have been in meetings all day and that will continue until 8:00 tonight, but I feel committed to do everything I can in the next seven plus months", said Schember.


The current mayor said while last night was challenging, he's focused on what he can do while he's still in office. "I was a little depressed around midnight last night when I found out all the votes were in and I has lost, but I got up this morning and I didn't get much sleep last night", said Schember.


The 74-year-old Mayor said he was optimistic about the work he and his team could have accomplish over the next four years. According to Schember, "I thought my team and I could accomplish twice as much as we did in the first eight years, because now we know what we are doing and people are committed to work with me if I had won, some of the best people I have and unfortunately I did not win. But now I am just committed in the next seven plus months to do everything I can to make Erie better."


Schember said he loves being mayor and it's the people of the City of Erie that make the job worthwhile, "What I love most is the people here in the city, we have a very diverse community which I am very proud of. One of my goals, which I know was a hard goal, was I wanted to get everyone accepted regardless of their nationality, their gender, the color of their skin, none of that matters, we are all human beings, and I wanted to bring us together, that was my primary goal."


Schember said he is open and plans to help the next mayor with the transition of the role. He said he has has been approached for different opportunities, but is looking forward to spending more time at home with his family.