PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- City Councilor Kevin Jackson and John Kelly, President and CEO of Meeting Street school, endorsed Democrat Angel Taveras for mayor, according to an announcement from Taveras' campaign.

Both had considered running for mayor this year as Democrats.

Jackson, who represents the Mount Hope and Summit neighborhoods on the city's East Side, said in a statement that he supported Taveras because, as a product of the city's public school system, Taveras understands the importance of investing in city youths.

Jackson is the founder and a president of the Providence Cobras Youth Track and Field Team and he serves as Education Coordinator for the Whitmarsh Corporation, an agency that works with at-risk youth in Providence. He is also a track and field coach at Rhode Island College.

Kelly, who lives in South Elmwood, said in a statement that he believes Taveras will "bring the diverse communities of our great city together." Kelly has been CEO of Meeting Street, a special needs school in the city, for more than ten years.

Taveras, who announced his candidacy last week, has gained the support of state Sen. Juan Pichardo (a childhood friend), City Councilman Leon Tejada, and former US Attorney Meg Curran.

Other announced Democratic mayoral candidates include City Councilor John Lombardi, state Rep. Steven Costantino, and Christopher F. Young. Daniel S. Harrop is the only announced Republican candidate.

Mayor David N. Cicilline is running for Congress in the First District.