City Council Member Emily Koski (Ward 11) announced Monday morning that she is dropping out of the race for Minneapolis mayor. 

Koski said in a press release that her decision comes after “deep reflection on the challenges of running an authentic, community-focused campaign” within the city’s current political climate. 

“But I’ve come to a hard truth: under the current political climate, I can’t be my authentic self and be a candidate in this race the way it demands,” she said in a statement.

The two-term council member ran on being a unifying figure in Minneapolis and criticized current Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for failing to work with the City Council.

Even though she is no longer on the ballot, Koski said she is still dedicated to serving residents of Ward 11 as a City Council member. 

Frey is running for re-election. State Sen. Omar Fateh (DFL-Minneapolis), Rev. DeWayne Davis, Jazz Hampton and Brenda Short are campaigning to unseat him.