Richard W. Rankin and Brent Benedict are the latest to pick up papers for a possible race for mayor of Chattanooga.
Mr. Rankin lives on Mari Jon Drive.
Mr. Benedict is an electrical engineer who ran for the 3rd District U.S. House seat in 2006.
Bruce Keown, a city employee who lives on Dalefield Lane, also picked up for mayor. But he said Tuesday morning he has decided not to run.
Mr. Keown said, "After much prayerful consideration, I will not be submitting my petition to enter the race for mayor of Chattanooga. Thanks to all who have given positive comments to my character and intent, but I do not believe God created me for this service.
"I initially picked up the petition to provide an alternative for voters. Since the field has now expanded to include a number of candidates, I hope that all citizens will participate in what will likely be a lively discussion of issues that will present challenges to the next mayor. Thank you, and may God bless."
Incumbent Ron Littlefield and former City Parks and Recreation Director Rob Healy have qualified.
Others who have picked up for mayor include Joe Lance, Robert T. Nash, Cecil Parrott and Scott Seagle.
Six candidates have picked up papers for three open seats on the Collegedale Commission.
They include incumbents Harry Hodgdon, Fred Fuller and Tim Johnson as well as Jerry Arnold, Deborah Baker and Katie Lamb.
The qualifying deadline is Dec. 18 at noon.
Mayor
Brent Benedict
Rob Healy (qualified)
Bruce Keown
Joe Lance
Ron Littlefield (qualified)
Cecil Parrott
Richard W. Rankin
Scott Seagle
City Council
District 1
Linda Bennett
Deborah Scott
Joe Graham (qualified)
District 2
Sally Robinson
District 3
Pam Ladd (qualified)
George Patten (qualified)
District 4
Jack Benson (qualified)
District 5
Russell Gilbert (qualified)
Joe Rowe
District 6
Carol Berz
Robert T. Nash
Marti Rutherford
District 7
Clifford Eberhard
Mahmood Abdullah
Manny Rico (qualified)
District 8
Dennis Clark (qualified)
Andrae McGary (qualified)
Leamon Pierce (qualified)
District 9
Quenston Coleman
J.T. McDaniel (qualified)
Thomas L. Mott
Jackie Thomas
Collegedale Commission
Jerry Arnold
Deborah Baker (qualified)
Fred Fuller
Harry Hodgdon
Tim Johnson (qualified)
Katie Lamb