Worcester mayor Joe Petty announced on Tuesday his bid for an eighth term in office. The mayor made the announcement outside Worcester's Burncoat High School surrounded by members of organized labor, residents and elected officials including the Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. Petty was first elected Worcester mayor in 2011 after serving as a city councilor. The veteran democrat said the city needs to keep its momentum moving in a positive direction. Pointing to things such as the rebuilding of public schools and increases in economic development. But he put an emphasis on stability. Petty said, "As you can imagine, I do not enter this race lightly. These are troubling times in our country. Chaos reigns in Washington (DC). We must no let it happen here in the city of Worcester. Steady leadership is needed to guide our community through these tremendous times. Make no mistake, we will make it through it together. Being mayor requires a certain temperament to navigate it's challenges. Some mistake loudness for leadership, but nothing could be further from the truth."
City councilor at-large Khrystian King announced his intentions to run for mayor back in February. This year's municipal election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 4th.