Fifth Ward Jefferson City Councilman Ralph Bray announced he plans to challenge incumbent Larry Rademan in November's Cole County recorder of deeds race.
Bray is in his second term as councilman. He retired from the Missouri Historical Architects with the state's Division of State Parks in January.
He said the county position would be a great fit for him.
"It's a really nice bit where I can take advantage of many of the things I learned about preservation," he said. "I've mostly focused on preservation of state historic sites, and in that business, we also protect documents and objects. So, directly and indirectly, it's an area that I'm very familiar with."
He plans to stay on the City Council as long as possible.
"Although, upon election to the office if I should be so lucky, I would expect to resign from the (council) position at that time, if not before," he said. "I just think it's appropriate to work for one government at a time."
Interim City Administrator Drew Hilpert said though the City Charter does not prohibit holding dual offices, but the two offices may be incompatible under the "doctrine of incompatible offices," issued through the Missouri Municipal League.
He said serving on the council has been a great experience, and isn't one he has taken lightly.
"I got into it with both feet, and it's not something you can do without being fully committed to it," he said. "It's certainly most rewarding when you can spend the time on it and do a good job. I've tried to do that."
He said he's looking forward to getting out-and-about in the county this summer.
"I want to introduce myself to folks, let them know who I am and what I'm doing, and ask them for their help to make this happen," he said. "I expect to be a very familiar face throughout the county by election time."