Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett said he may run for re-election, a change from his declaration after he won in 2010 that he would not seek another term.

Leggett told The Washington Examiner he might "reconsider" his 2010 position as community members and friends have been urging him to seek re-election.

"At this point, it's still no," he said. "But I'm going to think about it after Jan. 1."

Leggett said he has been approached to run again more and more as the election inches closer. If he were to win, it would be Leggett's third term as county executive. He previously sat on the County Council from 1986 to 2002.

If he doesn't seek re-election, he said he might return to academia. Leggett taught law at his alma mater, Howard University, from 1976 to 2002.

Though Leggett is still weighing his options, several county lawmakers have started vying for the position.

Councilmen George Leventhal, D-at large, and Phil Andrews, D-Gaithersburg/Rockville, have both said they are making a run for county executive.

Leventhal threw a 50th birthday party for himself last week that doubled as a campaign fundraiser, with about 350 people showing up to support him. The amount of support the Takoma Park resident has received from residents has been immensely positive, he said.

Andrews and Leventhal have been on the County Council since 1998 and 2002, respectively. Andrews has focused on maintaining a balanced budget and job creation in Montgomery County, and Leventhal has largely focused on health care initiatives and transportation issues, specifically with funding.

Andrews also was a vocal supporter of limiting the police union's "effects bargaining," which was stripped from the union by the council and upheld this month by a county ballot referendum.

"We need leadership that makes it very clear that [transportation] is our top priority," Leventhal said.

Other council members are reportedly kicking around the idea of running for executive. Council members Nancy Floreen, D-at large, Marc Elrich, D-at large, and Valerie Ervin, D-Silver Spring, have said they're somewhat interested in the position, although none has confirmed he or she will seek the spot.

Floreen said she hasn't ruled out running for the position, but currently has no intention of going forward with a campaign or an official announcement.

"I think it's too early to say," she said.

She pointed out that if Leggett does run, others might decide not to.

kjacobson@washingtonexaminer.com