<b>By Mike McCombs</b>

City Councilman Stephen Murray has thrown his hat in the ring in the Beaufort mayoral race.

“I'm excited to announce that I've formally filed my Statement of Candidacy for Mayor of the City of Beaufort. I look forward to the upcoming campaign and sharing my vision for the future of our special corner of the world. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/murrayformayor?__eep__=6&amp;source=feed_text&amp;epa=HASHTAG">#MurrayforMayor</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/luvbft?__eep__=6&amp;source=feed_text&amp;epa=HASHTAG">#luvBft</a>,” Murray posted on his Facebook page Friday afternoon after filing his paperwork with the city clerk.

Murray is in his second term on City Council. He joins former City Councilman and husband of current Councilwoman Nan Sutton, Mike Sutton, as the only candidates to file, so far.

Mayor Billy Keyserling announced at Tuesday night’s City Council meeting that he would not seek re-election after three terms as mayor.

Current council members Nan Sutton and Mike McFee, whose seats are also open this year, have not announced their plans.

Interested candidates for the mayoral and council races have until noon on Aug. 14 to file with the city clerk. Candidates must be residents of the city.

Council and mayoral terms are four years and are non-partisan, city-wide representation.

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<em>Mike McCombs is the Editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.</em>