The field of candidates in City Council elections this fall is shifting and narrowing as sitting councillors face off with energetic newcomers. As the races ramp up for contested districts, most are still in the first leg of the marathon, keeping the general election in view.

Charles Yancey, the city’s longest-sitting councillor, is looking to fend off one of his most significant challenges in a long time in the person of first-time candidate Andrea Campbell, who has been doggedly raising contributions, knocking on doors, and racking up endorsements.

This past week, Democratic committees in Wards 15 and 17 endorsed Campbell in the District 4 race. “I feel energized,” said the 33-year-old candidate. “I get out on the doors almost every single day. Her personal story continues to connect, she said. With her father and twin brother’s histories with the criminal justice system, as well as her brother’s death, she said she meets people who recognize something of themselves in her.

Still, she acknowledges that she has an uphill climb against Yancey. Plugging along, she characterizes her efforts as part of “a true grassroots campaign. I just keep meeting voters and knocking on doors, treating this primary like it’s the general election. It’s a tough race; every vote counts.”

Yancey, who has held his seat since 1984, seemed relaxed in an interview with the Reporter on Tuesday. “I feel very good,” he said. “I’ve been through this a few times.” This is his 17th campaign for a council seat.

Yancey said he seeks to be a solid representative for every Bostonian, not just those in his district, and, he adds, people know who he is and what he stands for. And he welcomes the challenge, which has been significant on the fundraising front. Campbell has raised about $108,000 and Yancey’s war chest holds some $124,000, according to expenditure forms filed with the Massachusetts Office of Campaign & Political Finance.

[Editor's note: While these accounts reflect years of contributions to Yancey's campaign and mere month's to Campbells, Campbell's account currently stands at just over $42,000 and Yancey's at just over $26,000, including expenditures, as of Aug. 17.]

“I’m not sure which is more fun, being unopposed or being opposed,” the longtime incumbent said.

He and Campbell are keeping to their own lanes as the Sept. 8 preliminary edges closer, expressing respect for their opponents and being careful to clarify that the election is fundamentally about connecting to the constituency.

The competition in District 4 was reduced by one when Jovan Lacet recently announced his decision to drop out of the race and throw his support behind Yancey. He said he would instead conduct a write-in campaign for an at-large seat.

In a statement posted to his Facebook page, Lacet noted that Yancey was not getting enough support from his fellow councillors to pass ordinances favorable to communities of color in Boston.

“I am putting my full support behind Councillor Yancey and asking all of my friends, family and supporters to do the same,” Lacet wrote.

Yancey told the Reporter that he was “flattered” that Lacet chose to support him at this stage of the race, joking that it would be nice if all of his competitors took the same tack.

Terrence Williams remains in the District 4 race, but he has filed no contributions information with the finance office.

In the District 7 campaign, incumbent Tito Jackson is facing the largest field of competitors. Among his opponents are former state representative Althea Garrison and TOUCH 106.1 founder Charles Clemons. Also listed on the ballot are Kevin Dwire, Haywood Fennell Sr., and Roy Owens.

On Tuesday, Jackson told the Reporter that he has been having fun with the campaign so far, knocking on doors, making calls, and going to barbeques. He said he remains focused on his goals in office, particularly his pushes for more transparency, education, economic development, and housing. “It allows us to reflect on our record of accomplishments,” he said.

In District 3, Frank Baker is facing challenger Donnie Palmer, a first-time candidate, teacher, and professional boxer.

The competition doesn’t faze him, said Baker in an interview with the Reporter on Monday. “A campaign is a campaign; you don’t worry about the other candidates.” He emphasized doing the job seriously and efficiently, along with going to civic meetings and regular events, as the best way to stay in touch with the constituency and campaign for re-election.

Palmer told the Reporter he feels comfortable with his chances despite his newcomer status.

“I have all the confidence in the world,” he said Wednesday. “People want new blood in the seat.”

He expressed concern over the recent spate of shootings in the area and the possibility of Boston becoming a ‘sanctuary city.’ Palmer said he has not heard from Baker, with whom he would like to discuss those concerns.As to the at-large field, it is officially five-deep after Bryan Fuller withdraw his candidacy. Current Councillors Michael Flaherty, Stephen Murphy, Ayanna Pressley, and Michelle Wu are seeking re-election, and they are facing a single challenge, from Annissa Essaibi-George, a Dorchester teacher and business owner.

The Ward 15 Democratic Committee, which overlaps Districts 3 and 4, has endorsed Baker, Essaibi-George, Pressley, and Murphy.

Several council candidates, including Campbell and Jackson, plan to attend a forum at the Dudley Library on Sept. 3 at 6 p.m.