Senator Andy Berke, the first person to formally announce his candidacy for mayor of Chattanooga, picked up qualifying papers Thursday at the Hamilton County Election Commission.
“Over the last few months, hundreds of volunteers and more than a thousand donors have committed to renewing Chattanooga,” Senator Berke said. “I look forward to the next phase as voters concentrate on our city elections.”
He announced he would not be seeking re-election to the state Senate earlier this year and would instead run for mayor of Chattanooga. He was elected to the state Senate in 2007, where he "championed legislation focused on putting Tennesseans back to work, improving education, and protecting victims of domestic violence."
“I will continue to focus on the critical issues that affect the quality of life in Chattanooga – public safety, education, and economic development. We must recognize our common issues and come together to make a positive change for our city,” he said.
Senator Berke is hosting a rally next Thursday, at the Bessie Smith Hall where supporters can sign his qualifying petition. As a sign of "the intense grassroots campaign he intends," the campaign will conduct a city-wide door-to-door day on Nov. 17.
City elections will be held on March 5, 2013.
Guy Satterfield earlier qualified to run for mayor. Rob Healy said he is considering a race.