Westbrook Democrats selected Michael Shaughnessy as their candidate for the city’s next mayor during a heavily-attended caucus Tuesday.

Shaughnessy received an endorsement from current three-term Mayor Colleen Hilton, and beat out City Councilor Mike Sanphy for the nomination. Despite the caucus results, Sanphy is continuing his quest for mayor and will take out nomination papers Wednesday, he said.

The crowd of about 200 packed the gymnasium at the Westbrook Community Center, also selecting longtime politician Ann Peoples for the City Council at-large seat left vacant by Michael Foley, and former city clerk Lynda Adams for Ward 5 City Councilor – Sanphy’s current post.

After the results were announced, Shaughnessy told the American Journal he’ll now shift to campaigning. He said he’ll have to “run hard” within a race that will most likely have three candidates. Independent James Tranchemontagne has already submitted nomination papers, which are due Sept. 26.

“I believe Westbrook is on a precipice,” Shaughnessy said about the city’s potential, adding that Hilton has brought the city forward during her tenure. “It’s got it’s issues, but it has great people. Westbrook is primed to set the bar.”

Shaughnessy beat Sanphy by a tally of 87 to 69.

After the caucus, Sanphy called the loss a “bump in the road.”

“I think I’ve earned it, and I’m not going to give it up,” he said, adding that he believes he’ll have broad support from voters citywide. Between his time at the Westbrook police, fire, and rescue departments and City Council, Sanphy has served Westbrook for 48 years.

Shaughnessy is the president of the Friends of the Presumpscot River organization, and a longtime art professor at the University of Southern Maine. He and his wife, Malory Shaughnessy, recently purchased the former home of Ellie Saunders on Conant Street. Malory Shaughnessy was also selected as the new chair of the Westbrook Democratic Committee Tuesday, replacing State Rep. Drew Gattine.

Hilton said she endorsed Shaughnessy because of his knowledge of the Presumpscot River restoration, which has big implications for downtown Westbrook, as well as his growing involvement in other facets of the community.

“He’s got a real diverse set of interests,” she said, adding that she’s seen Shaughnessy at many other Westbrook events lately. “As I learned more about him, he was involved in all aspects of the city.”

She said one of the hardest parts of her decision not to run is stepping away from projects that “are still in play,” such as the Saccarappa dam removal and fish passage project, and how it will play into economic development for the city.

Incumbents Brendan Rielly and Victor Chau, in wards 1 and 2, respectively, kept their City Council nominations, as did at-large School Committee incumbent Suzanne Joyce, Ward 3 incumbent Noreen Poitras, and Ward 4 incumbent Mike Popovic.

This story will be updated.