Tim Holden's move to file paperwork for his mayoral campaign moves him one step closer to a run against popular DFL Mayor Chris Coleman, who is seeking a third four-year term in November.
This amps up the campaign for Holden, a landlord and businessman with no previous political experience. At the Republican city caucus earlier this month, Holden introduced himself but plans to run as an independent.
On his website, Holden says:
Something is not right in City Hall. Businesses are closing all around the city, and their only solution is to subsidize projects that will close down even more.
Somebody has to stand up and speak for the citizens. And I decided that somebody should be me. That’s why I am running for Mayor.
If you’re fed up with Chris Coleman then the time is now to VOTE TIM HOLDEN!
So far, Holden is the only candidate currently publicly planning to challenge Coleman. A Green Party candidate, Roger Meyer, dropped out of the race last month, after reporting $7,000 in his campaign fund.
Actual filing for the mayoral election doesn't begin until July 30. With the city's ranked-choice voting method, there will be no primary.