DCist has learned from a reliable source that Council-member Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) will seek re-election to his current seat, ending months of speculation as to whether he would challenge Council-member Kathy Patterson (D-Ward 3) for the council’s top spot. Council-member Vincent Gray (D-Ward 7) will challenge Patterson, though, a decision he is set to announce on Friday during an appearance on WTOP.

Gray’s decision has long been expected, but will no doubt present itself as unwelcome news to Patterson. She has campaigned unopposed to date, hoping to amass a campaign war chest large enough to dissuade Gray or Graham from challenging her. And while Patterson’s campaign has thus far raised $106,742, she was roundly criticized earlier this year when her promise to vote for the stadium lease before the council was rewarded by a fundraiser organized by D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams and former council-member and current MLB lobbyist John Ray.

It is widely thought that a challenge from Gray or Graham would severely threaten Patterson’s nascent campaign, though Gray may have to work harder for votes after having been criticized for being one of the four crucial swing votes that helped pass the stadium lease two weeks ago. Marc Fisher, the Post’s Metro columnist, is similarly reporting this morning that current mayoral candidates Vincent Orange (D-Ward 5) and Marie Johns may abandon their campaigns and shoot for the council chair instead, additions that could divide the African-American vote and help Patterson.