ALBANY – City Common Council President Carolyn McLaughlin’s run for mayor has opened up the council president seat to many in the community eyeing the position.

Former city Councilman Corey Ellis has said he plans to run for the citywide position, which would pit him in a Democratic Primary against Tim Carney and possibly Albany County Legislator Chris Higgins, who has said he’s considering a run, but hasn’t made any official announcements.

Council President Pro Tempore Richard Conti, who current represents the 6th Ward, also is considering running for council president, but is still weighing his options.

Ellis, a state Democratic committeeman, represented Arbor Hill’s 3rd Ward from 2006 to 2009. He ran unsuccessfully for mayor twice – in 2009 against incumbent Jerry Jennings and in 2013 against Mayor Kathy Sheehan.

Carney unsuccessfully ran for the 7th Ward council seat against incumbent Cathy Fahey four years ago.

Other city races: