Providence may not be the only city with a hotly contested mayoral campaign next year.

Former Pawtucket City Council President Henry Kinch Jr. told WPRI.com on Tuesday he’s “strongly considering” running for mayor of Rhode Island’s fourth-largest city in 2014. The Democrat is currently clerk of the Providence County Superior Court.

Kinch ran in the 2010 Democratic primary to replace retiring Mayor James Doyle, losing to Don Grebien 64% to 37%. Grebien was unopposed for re-election last year.

Grebien spokesman Doug Hadden declined to say if the incumbent will seek a third term. “The city faces a lot of daunting contractual and budget challenges,” Hadden told WPRI.com. “He’s focused on that. He has not made a statement at this time one way or another. He’s focused on working hard for the residents of Pawtucket.”

Grebien had $6,065 in his campaign war chest as of Dec. 31, while Kinch’s old campaign account was inactive.

Kinch’s father, Henry Kinch, was mayor of Pawtucket from 1981 to 1987.

Update: In a follow-up email, Grebien told WPRI.com he’ll definitely be in the race:

I will be running for re-election as mayor of Pawtucket in 2014. The city’s problems are bigger and more extensive than anyone could have anticipated and I am committed to staying and getting the job done. We have already made significant financial progress but much remains to be done. As a parent of two young children, I am committed to a better future for them and for our city.

(photo: Marc N. Belanger/Wikipedia)