Dabakis to face Biskupski for Salt Lake City mayor in 2019

Outgoing Utah state Sen. Jim Dabakis will challenge incumbent Salt Lake City mayor Jackie Biskupski in next year’s election.

Dabakis announced his candidacy Tuesday with a Facebook video in which he said a mayor should be a great city ambassador, know how to run a major operation and have a long-term vision.

Dabakis briefly ran for mayor in 2015 before bowing out and endorsing Biskupski. She became the city’s first openly gay mayor when she unseated incumbent Ralph Becker.

Dabakis, a Democrat, was the state’s only openly gay lawmaker.

He is the third challenger to join the race, following businessman David Ibarra and city councilman Stan Penfold.

Dabakis is well-known for being outspoken and entertaining. He recently drove to Las Vegas to try marijuana for the first time to bring attention to a medical marijuana ballot measure.