SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno has officially launched his re-election campaign for mayor.

Supporters gathered Wednesday evening to hear his announcement of his candidacy at the Greek Cultural Center.

Mayor Sarno told 22News that he has brought billions of dollars to the city of Springfield to have the highest bond ratings, new schools, libraries, and economic development along with reducing dropout rates in schools and crime in the city.

While he’ll continue to do that now, if re-elected for another 4 years, he says he wants to add to that list. “I’m moving on economic development projects for the downtowns in our neighborhoods, infrastructure improvements are occurring in all of our neighborhoods, also keep building new schools, I’m going to lobby hard to get a new courthouse on North River Front,” Sarno says. “And we continue market-rate housing, workforce development housing.”

As far as other candidates in the race, Sarno said he has his own story to tell and that he is “ready to go.” He will be in the race amongst four other candidates, which include Orlando Ramos, Jesse Lederman, Justin Hurst, and Dr. David Ciampi.

All of them are eyeing the seat filled currently by Mayor Sarno, who is the longest-serving mayor in the city. He was first elected in 2007 and is now seeking his seventh term.

Springfield’s preliminary election is scheduled for September 12. The top two finishers would then face off in the general election on November 7.