SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – There will be at least three new faces on the Springfield city council.

Alderwoman Erin Conley, Ward 8, announced via Facebook Sunday she is abandoning her re-election campaign.

“I love the job, and it means more than I can express,” said Conley, on Facebook, “but I have had some heavy situations in my personal life and I have come to realize that working a full time job, working my Alderwoman job, and running for office was more of a full plate than I can accommodate right now.”

Teresa Tran had been running against Conley in next February’s election.  According to her website, Tran is “a longtime Springfield resident, a dedicated neighbor, and a proud candidate for Ward 8 Alderperson. She chose to run for City Council because she believes Ward 8 deserves responsive, accessible representation — someone who listens first, communicates honestly, and follows through. Teresa knows the challenges facing the ward because she lives them alongside her neighbors every day, from aging infrastructure and neighborhood safety to the need for transparent city services and stronger local businesses.”

“Thank you all for your support and for helping me to represent you at the council horseshoe! Of course I still serve until after the Spring election,” said Conley, who stood up for Tran recently, after the candidate received what were believed to be threatening messages from a now-former member of the Sangamon County Democratic Party.

Also departing the council after next spring’s election will be Aldermen Jim Donelan and Ralph Hanauer, because of term limits.

Tran’s campaign has not yet reacted to Conley’s announcement.