Republican Jon Costas, the city’s former longtime mayor, officially announced Thursday that he is seeking the post once again in next year’s municipal elections.

Curiosity and rumors about a run have swirled around town since Mayor Matt Murphy, also a Republican, said on Nov. 23 that he will not seek a second term as mayor because of a job opportunity at Urschel Laboratories, which purchased Jifco Products, Murphy’s family business, earlier this year. That opportunity begins in January 2024.

Costas previously served as mayor for four terms, from 2004 to 2020, before stepping down. With a nod to Valparaiso High School’s football team and its teamwork to win as state champions, Costas said he was stepping in to lead and continue the work in the city that began when he first took office and that Murphy carried on as mayor.

“While we can celebrate this 20-year transformation, next year’s city elections are not about the past but about the future. We need to constantly reach forward and build on our past successes, not rest on them,” Costas said, thanking Murphy for serving the city.

Costas, who made his announcement at LePeep on Valparaiso’s north side, which he owns with son Evan, outlined a three-point approach for what he will bring to the city if he wins in his bid for mayor.

That includes maintaining “the highest levels of safety” in the city; maintaining and building upon “our extraordinary level of city services,” from trash collection to downtown events; and a continued “creatively frugal” approach to city projects and keeping tax rates low.

The Valparaiso Democratic Committee issued a statement in response to the announcement.“This announcement comes as no surprise. This decision isn’t about what’s best for Valparaiso, this is about what is best for Jon Costas and the good old boys club,” the statement read.

The VDC also criticized Murphy’s time as mayor so far, including “the failed Uptown East development or the taxpayer subsidized LINC Apartments and $17.5 million dollars of public tax dollars for their parking spots.”

Murphy, who is completing his mayoral term, plans on running for city council. He previously represented District 3, a seat now held by Casey Schmidt, the council’s president.

Rounding out the picture of what the Republican slate for the city will look like in the coming year, Evan Costas, R-at large is not seeking a second term, paving the way for Murphy to run for an at-large seat on the council.

alavalley@chicagotribune.com