Marco Mancillas announced Oct. 28 he has dropped out of the Austin City Council District 4 race and is supporting his former opponent, Laura Pressley.

With eight candidates vying for the District 4 seat, he said during a news conference that he realized his role had changed since announcing his candidacy.

"I want to make sure that the right person is elected," Mancillas said. "At this time, I feel that Laura Pressley is that person. She is that fighter, that voice, she has that charisma to take District 4 to the next level."

During the course of campaigning, Mancillas said he realized Pressley shared many of his same concerns about issues affecting District 4.

In a statement, Pressley said she intends to improve the city's affordability by implementing a 20-percent homestead exemption, decreasing utility fees, preventing gentrification, reducing crime and improving traffic.

Because early voting is already underway, Mancillas' name will still appear on the ballot.

Residents may watch a video of the news conference.