Four Honolulu City Council members have now endorsed Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s re-election versus three for Charles Djou, but those backing Caldwell insist the endorsements don’t affect what happens on the Council.

On Thursday, Joey Manahan became the latest Council member to endorse Caldwell. He was joined at a news conference by Council colleagues Ikaika Anderson, Kymberly Pine and Brandon Elefante — all of whom have already endorsed the mayor. Caldwell joined in the news conference, too.

The four members said they support Caldwell’s re-election because he’s shown more steadfast support to build the full rail transit line, despite its ongoing budget woes.

“For me rail’s important. We have nine stops in our district,” said Manahan, who represents Kalihi and Iwilei, among other areas. Caldwell “has made the strongest commitment toward finishing the project.”

Meanwhile, Chairman Ernie Martin and his Council colleagues Ann Kobayashi and Trevor Ozawa have endorsed Djou, a former U.S. congressman.

The two remaining Council members, Carol Fukunaga and Ron Menor, have not endorsed a candidate.

The split in endorsements leaves the Council’s leader in the minority and raises the question of a leadership reshuffle. Martin has repeatedly clashed with Caldwell and Council colleagues such as Anderson over city policy.

Martin did not respond to requests for comment.

Pine said the city is enduring a “difficult time” confronting homelessness, affordable housing and rail — but she maintained that city leaders are making gains.

“It’s the wrong time to have an entirely new Cabinet and a new mayor start all over again,” Pine said.