Portland councilors elect city’s new mayor

PORTLAND – Jill Duson has been elected by her fellow city councilors to become Portland’s next mayor.

Duson, who held the post four years ago, will be inaugurated Dec. 1. She succeeds Ed Suslovic, who lost his bid for re-election to the council.

The mayor of Maine’s largest city is a largely ceremonial post. The mayor serves a one-year term and presides over council meetings.

Duson, who was elected during the council’s mayoral caucus Wednesday night, pledged to advocate for more affordable housing and promote economic development.