Incumbent Democrat Ward Two Alderman Terry Bates has finallyannounced his intent to run for re-election in the upcoming cityrace with just two weeks left.

Bates, who is Mayor Pro Tempore and is seeking his sixth term inWard Two, will face fellow Democrats Vernastine Byrd and IdellaSanders in the primary. Unless a Republican or Independentcandidate surfaces in the next two weeks, the winner of the primarywill be the next Ward Two alderman or alderwoman.

Byrd ran against Bates in the last election, and Sanders has notrun for alderman before.

The qualifying deadline is Friday, March 6.

Mayor Bob Massengill has decided to retire, leaving the race forthe city’s helm a battle between Board of Supervisors President theRev. Jerry Wilson and Alderman at Large Les Bumgarner.

Primary elections will take place May 5, with the generalelection being held June 2.

Other election qualifiers to date include:

Mayor: The Rev. Jerry Wilson, D, and Alderman at Large LesBumgarner, I

City Clerk: Mike Jinks, D

Police Chief: Incumbent Arlustra “Pap” Henderson, D

Alderman At Large: L. Ralph Smith, D, Terry Pappas, R, and KarenSullivan, I

Ward One Alderman: Incumbent Dorsey Cameron and Elisa Corley,both Democrats

Ward Two Alderman: Vernastine Byrd and Idella Sanders, bothDemocrats.

Ward Three Alderman: Incumbent Mary Wilson, D, RooseveltCollins, D, and Brian Moore, R

Ward Four Alderman: Incumbent Shirley Estes, R, Asem Zeini, R,and David Smith, I

Ward Five Alderman: Fletcher Grice, R

Ward Six Alderman: Incumbent David Phillips, I, and RobertKenny, D