ROCHESTER, N.Y. — ​Rochester City Councilman Malik Evans has announced plans to run for mayor of Rochester.

In a campaign video, Evans, a Democrat, says that he is running on a pledge of "Building Bridges," vowing to 'mend the gulfs that have separated our communities for too long.'

"I did not make this decision lightly. I have a lifelong love for, belief in, and sense of duty to Rochester, and I have been humbled and honored by the many citizens that have encouraged me to enter the Mayor’s race. Over the coming weeks and months, I look forward to engaging with the residents of our community to hear their desires for creating a stronger Rochester that will not just survive but thrive," Evans said of his decision to run.

Evans has a long history of service in the Rochester community. He served as president of the Rochester City School Board from 2008 through 2013.

He is a University of Rochester graduate, and is currently on several boards and committees, including the Rochester Museum and Science Center, and the Rochester Area Community Foundation.

Evans will likely face Mayor Lovely Warren, who recently announced her intention to run for a third term.