ALBANY, N.Y. -- A familiar face in the City of Albany has officially thrown his bid in to become the first African American mayor of Albany.

Albany Common Council Member Corey Ellis was joined by family, friends and supporters as he announced his campaign for Mayor of Albany.

"We need to elect a leader who will understand that the people need a voice. That is why I stand before you today and announce my candidacy to be the next mayor of Albany," Ellis said.

Common Council President Shawn Morris and political activist Marlon Anderson are among the candidates throwing in their hats into the race to replace current Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings.