Openly gay former Dallas City Councilman Ed Oakley has come almost full circle after losing last year’s mayor’s race in a runoff.

“The day after the race, all I could think about was getting away on vacation,” Oakley said.

But on Friday, June 26, Oakley announced that not only is he considering running for public office again, but that his seventh annual 50th birthday party fundraiser the night before had raised more than $30,000.

“For a non-elected official, that’s a real good thing,” he said.

But the event did more than just raise money. It helped him decide that he’s definitely going to run for something.

“The purpose of this get-together was to talk to the community and the folks that have supported me in the past and see where we go from here,” he said.

“I think after the birthday party and show of support, it’s inevitable that I’ll get back in politics. The question is, what office? I’m not ready to declare.”

Oakley did say that he most likely wants to stay in nonpartisan politics and will run next year — both hints that he would be challenging District 3 Dallas City Councilman Dave Neumann for his old seat.

“I spent 15 years doing one thing or another at City Hall, and it’s left kind of a big void because I had such a big space blocked out of my life to do that,” Oakley said.

“I feel like there is something I have to offer,” he added. “I realize I’m 56 years old and there is still a lot of time to do something.

“Stay tuned and look forward to an announcement.”