Patrick Herbert wants to help bring more jobs and affordable housing to Oxford and feels his best chance to do that is being an alderman.

Herbert filed his intent to run for Ward 1 alderman Tuesday. Current Ward 1 Alderman Rick Addy filed his intent to run in January as a Democrat.

Herbert, 25, also filed as Democrat, which means the two will go head-to-head in a primary on May 2. If a run-off is necessary it will be May 16. The deadline to register to vote for the primary is April 1.

Herbert, an adjuster at Winchester, said he’s lived in Oxford for seven years and sees the city’s need for more affordable housing.

“Some of the guys I work with make $40-$50,000 a year and they can’t understand how people can afford to live in the city,” Herbert said. “They made a decent salary but couldn’t afford a home in Oxford.”

Candidates wishing to run for office in June for a seat on the Oxford Board of Aldermen or for mayor of Oxford, have until March 3 to file a statement of intent to run.

All but one incumbent alderman have filed their statements to run again in June to hold their seats on the board. Ward 2 Alderman Robyn Tannehill instead announced she would be running for mayor. Mayor Pat Patterson announced in December he would not be seeking re-election.

Mark Huelse, co-owner of Something Southern, qualified to run for Ward 2 alderman in January.

Candidates for mayor and the alderman positions have until 5 p.m. March 3 to file their statement of intent. If a primary is needed, it will be held on May 2 with a runoff, if needed, on May 16.  The general election will be on June 6.

Candidates must be a registered voter in the ward they are running — except the “at large” seat — never been convicted of a crime punishable by a prison sentence or convicted of a felony. Candidates must also file their campaign finance reports periodically.

Aldermen and the mayor are elected to a four-year term.

Potential candidates may pick up the necessary form at City Hall or by downloading it from the Mississippi Secretary of State website, www.sos.state.ms.us/elections.