SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Springfield City Councilor Jesse Lederman announced on Tuesday that he’s running for Mayor of Springfield.

Lederman made the announcement through a campaign video posted on social media this morning. He joins a crowded field running for mayor that includes five-term city councilor Justin Hurst and Dr. David Ciampi.

He made an official announcement live at 10:45 a.m. at Thompson Triangle in the city’s McKnight Neighborhood, “I’m running for Mayor to build an accessible, responsive, and professional local government that can meet the needs of all our neighborhoods,” said City Council President Jesse Lederman.

“I didn’t come from a big political family or a family with a lot of money. I ran for City Council because I saw the difference that could be made in local government. I’m proud of the work we’ve accomplished together since then, and the commitments that I have kept to the voters of Springfield,” said Lederman, “From big victories, like stopping the biomass incinerator that long threatened our public health, holding public utilities accountable for fixing gas leaks, or ending the decade long dispute over the appointment of the Police Commission, all the way to nuts and bolts, neighborhood quality of life initiatives, like putting our snow map online for residents to track plowing, and advocating for the soon to come conversion to LED street lights.”

“To build a city that is ready for the future we must do more. We need a local government that is committed to an economic development vision that bring resources to our neighborhoods and lifts up working families, a local government that is committed to affordable utilities and internet access, a local government that will prioritize housing that meets the needs of our entire community, and an education system built for our students, that values our educators, and provides pathways to success right here in our city for the next generation,” said Lederman. “I believe that with a fresh perspective, building upon our legislative accomplishments on the City Council, bringing our entire community to the table, and channeling our city’s history of innovation and progress, all of this is possible, and more.”

“I look forward to a robust campaign in the months ahead, to continuing to listen to the people of Springfield, and to sharing more of my vision with them. As always, ours will be an on the ground campaign, one that reaches out to every corner of the City of Springfield, and takes no vote for granted,” said Lederman.

“Today, I say to residents all across our city: Let’s write Springfield’s next chapter, together. I humbly ask for the opportunity to earn your vote to be your next Mayor,” said Lederman.

He’s the third person to formally throw his hat into the Springfield Mayoral race, Councilor Justin Hurst welcomes the challenge, “We believe that we have something that will resonate with all of the residents here in the city of Springfield, and an inclusive government, a government that represents all of us.”

Doctor David Ciampi also announced his campaign in January, he wants to bring his experience in the mental health field to the Mayor’s Office, “I have a feeling for where the city’s at and solutions to what can be done to improve the quality of life of people here in the city.”

In a statement sent to 22News Tuesday, Mayor Sarno states, “As I have stated previously, I have every intention of seeking re-election and I will make a formal announcement at the appropriate time.”

22News asked Lederman is he is prepared to take on Mayor Sarno. He responded saying, “You know, this campaign is not about any of the candidates in it. It’s about the future of the city of Springfield. It’s about writing Springfield’s next chapter together.”

City residents will get the chance to choose who represents them in the Mayor’s office in November of 2023.