Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton considering a run for mayor in 2020

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton says he has filed the paperwork needed to run for mayor.

In a statement to CBS 58 News, Hamilton said that the people across Milwaukee have expressed a need for new leadership.

Hamilton is expected to make a decision and release a formal announcement in the coming weeks.

"People from across our City have expressed a need for new leadership and a true vision for the future of Milwaukee. Many people are asking me to prepare to be a candidate for mayor. I am currently taking this request under consideration and I expect to make a decision and have a formal announcement in the coming weeks. The committee registration filing is a first step in that direction."

The Barrett for Milwaukee campaign issued the following statement in regards to Hamilton,

The people of Milwaukee just got through a big election this fall and they deserve a break before we start talking about an election that is nearly a year and a half away.

The Mayor loves his job and all signs point to Tom running again. He loves this city. He loves the people of this great city.  There will be plenty of time for a campaign where the Mayor will be happy to stack his record against anyone who decides to run against him. The best way for him to get re-elected is to do the hard work the people elected him to do: continue to work to bring family supporting jobs to every neighborhood in this city, and to make this a city where, in every neighborhood, grandmothers can sit  on their front porch and watch their grandchildren play safely in their front yard.

The Wisconsin Elections commission confirms that Hamilton filed paperwork on Monday.