Erin Murphy, a Dorchester resident, mother of three and longtime public school teacher who ran for city council at-large in 2019, said on Tuesday that she’s going to join a widening field of people who will seek election to a citywide council seat this year.

“I am running for City Council because now more than ever Boston needs leaders who understand the urgency of getting our kids and teachers safely back in classrooms, our local businesses up and thriving again, and our good jobs back to stay,” Murphy said in a statement to the Reporter on Feb. 17. “Recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic may be the greatest challenge our city has ever faced. I am ready to work together with everyone who believes that Boston’s future is bright, but only if we are united in our common purpose of a better city for all.”

Murphy finished sixth in the Nov. 2019 general election, a strong placement for a first-time candidate.

Candidates for council at-large have until May 18 to gather signatures to get on the ballot for the Sept. 21 preliminary election.