LAWRENCE — Two of the city's political heavy hitters, City Council President Patrick Blanchette and state Rep. William Lantigua, both officially confirmed yesterday that they are running for mayor.

They both want to succeed Mayor Michael Sullivan, who is finishing his second term and cannot run again due to term limits. City residents will elect a new mayor next November.

Blanchette and Lantigua follow real estate developer Israel Reyes, a former city councilor, who announced earlier this year, without fanfare, that he would run for mayor in November 2009.

Blanchette pledged to "build bridges where there have been none."

"I will reach out of every corner to unite this city in a common vision," he said.

Lantigua vowed to "keep fighting to make Lawrence a safer, cleaner, more productive city."

Blanchette, 31, said he wants to transform everything from the city's neighborhoods and finances to schools and the economy.

Lantigua, 53, said he believes he can remain as state representative while serving as mayor because there is no law preventing him from doing so.

Others who have been mentioned as potential candidates include city councilors David Abdoo and Nilka Alvarez-Rodriguez, former city councilors Julia Silverio and Carlos Matos, police Chief John Romero, and Pedro Payano, a public school teacher.

Blanchette, a Prospect Hill native and 10-year City Council member, attended a fundraiser at the Lawrence Elks Lodge last night during which he confirmed his intentions.

Employed as a conciliator with the Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents, Blanchette said he has no immediate plans to leave his job to campaign full time. But as the election nears, Blanchette said, he would "assess all options."

Blanchette told supporters, "I will dedicate myself with vigor and passion to our noble cause ... just as I've done the past 500 weeks as your city councilor. I'll share my vision for achieving greatness and ask for your help along the way."

He said priorities include the rebirth and renewal of neighborhoods, fixing the city's finances, improving schools, and working with business leaders to stimulate the local economy.

"With unemployment at its highest level since the Depression, I'll work with labor and industry leaders and our local institutions of higher learning to retool an eager workforce to ensure long-term fiscal stability for our city and its citizens," he said.

As the city's state representative for six years, Lantigua said he's worked hard to bring "critical funding and services" to the city. "I am proud to say I am part of the positive change you see around the city."

Lantigua also said he's developed strong relationships with many politicians, including Gov. Deval Patrick, House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi and Senate President Therese Murray.

"These relationships will continue to benefit our city if I am fortunate enough to be elected mayor," Lantigua said.

A native of the Dominican Republic, Lantigua has worked in Lawrence for more than 30 years. As mayor, he said he wants to develop a "comprehensive strategy" to address the foreclosure crisis threatening neighborhoods. He also would work to attract businesses and create jobs.

Candidates cannot sign the official election paperwork with the city until May 2009.