Worcester City Councilor Michael Gaffney and his wife, Coreen, have announced their decision to withdraw from their respective City Council races, according to a post on the Worcester Independent Leader.

"The Gaffney's have left the building," the post reads.

The Worcester Independent Leader is an blog that features articles written by Michael Gaffney.

Michael Gaffney was in the running to retain his at-large council seat. Coreen Gaffney was challenging Councilor Sarai Rivera for the District 4 seat.

The couple did not specify why they were pulling out of this year's campaign season, but said they were offered a significant opportunity that would not allow them to devote their time to city council.

"Our new endeavors will result in significant time away from the area and will not allow us to focus on the demands of city council. Therefore, we have made the decision to withdraw from our respective campaigns," the release reads.

The Worcester Elections Commission said they had not received any notification that the candidates were dropping out of the race. Their names will remain on the ballot, according to the release.

"We have appreciated the support we have received from so many. As the second highest vote-getter last cycle, we've enjoyed the overwhelming support of the good people of Worcester," the release reads.