LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Metro Council President David James (D) announced his candidacy for Louisville mayor Thursday. 

What You Need To Know

  • Metro Council president David James announces candidacy for mayor

  • James was elected to Metro Council in 2010

  • James was also a member of LMPD

  • He says he promises to be transparent

James, who represents the 6th District, was re-elected last year as council president. He has also served in the Louisville Metro Police Department and as president of the police union.

He told supporters gathered at the Teamsters Local 89 Union Hall that the city had "suffered on so many levels" and that he would listen to everyone.

"I promise to be accessible," James said. "I promise to be transparent. I promise to be committed and I promise to be a team player."

James criticized actions taken by Mayor Greg Fischer, including his handling of the Breonna Taylor case. 

"Transparency is very important," James said. "Within a week or two, after that ... horrible incident occurred, it was incumbent upon the mayor and the police chief to say what happened and to say that they're sorry for that and that it would never happen again, and that didn't happen." 

State Senator David Yates (D) of Louisville said his former council colleague has the experience for the job.

"I think we need someone who can heal, who can bring us together, with experience," Yates said. "Proven experience, but also with empathy and understanding that can do that." 

The website for James' campaign went live Wednesday, a day before his official announcement.