A familiar face in Fall River is throwing his hat back into the ring.

 

Former Fall River Mayor Will Flanagan announced Monday he’s running to win back his old job — one year after he survived a brutal stabbing.

 

Flanagan was 29 years old when he was first elected mayor back in 2009. He was recalled from office four years later.

 

“I was 34 when I left the office of mayor and it gave me the opportunity to focus on my personal life and also to develop more of my professional life,” Flanagan said.

 

Flanagan was attacked last October while walking in the city. He said he’s doing much better now and leaned on his faith throughout his recovery.

 

“An attack like that connects you even stronger with your faith,” Flanagan said. “There’s no doubt in my mind it was divine intervention — a miracle that saved my life that day.”

 

Flanagan believes he’s more mature and better equipped to handle the job today. He also already knows what his priorities would be.

 

“Public safety, because people want to feel safe,” he said.

 

“Also the cost of living, because people are struggling right now to survive in Fall River.”

 

“Your life is precious, so fragile,” he said. “Life can end at any moment, so don’t put anything off. Do the things you want to do.”

 

So far, no other candidates have announced plans to run for mayor in Fall River’s November 2027 election.

 

The city has had eight different mayors in the last 20 years.

 

See more at wpri.com.