The British Columbia New Democratic Party has announced four-term Port Moody Mayor Joe Trasolini intends to run for the party in an expected by-election.

The Port Moody-Coquitlam seat came open when Iain Black quit in August to become president and CEO of the Vancouver Board of Trade. Premier Christy Clark has six months to call the by-election.

"I’m looking forward to being a part of Adrian’s team to make a difference for families in Port Moody-Coquitlam, and all across BC,” Trasolini said in a prepared statement the party released.

"Joe’s experience as Mayor of Port Moody, including his hard work to deliver the Evergreen Line for his constituents, shows his commitment to this community," NDP Leader Adrian Dix said in the release. "Joe’s decision to be a New Democrat candidate shows that he believes in our agenda of change and the caliber of our team."

As recently as August Public Eye reported that Trasolini, who worked on Clark's first provincial campaign and who Clark endorsed in his first bid for mayor, was rumoured to be a potential BC Liberal candidate.

The Georgia Straight reported in 2009 that grassroots Liberals were drafting Trasolini as a federal candidate.

Andrew MacLeod is The Tyee’s Legislative Bureau Chief in Victoria. Reach him here.