Garnell Whitfield has announced that he will run for Buffalo mayor.  

Whitfield, who grew up in the city of Buffalo, is the former Buffalo fire commissioner.  

He's also the son of Ruth Whitfield, who was killed in the 2022 mass shooting at the Tops supermarket on Jefferson Avenue.  

Whitfield says it’s time for a change to the status quo.  

He touched upon many priorities in a speech Tuesday night, including the need for safe streets, the need for people to have access to opportunities, getting city finances and budgeting under control, tackling high rent costs and having accessible and healthy food options for all.  

"We must quiet the voices that protect the status quo, that repeat the failed mantra that, ‘We can’t do this,’ or, ‘We can’t do that,’ or, ‘That’s the way it’s always been done,’” said Whitfield. “In this new day, Buffalo will lift up those voices that have not been heard."

Whitfield is the second person to formally announce their candidacy.  

State Sen. Sean Ryan announced his run for mayor last month.  

Other people who have expressed interest include current Acting Mayor Christopher Scanlon, who is serving out the remainder of Byron Brown's term, and former city judge James McLeod.

Ryan Caughill has posted on social media that he is planning a run as an independent candidate.