WORCESTER, Mass. - Mayor Joe Petty has launched a website, updated his Twitter profile and posted an announcement video for his run for state Senate.

As Spectrum News 1 first reported in January, Petty will vie for the Senate seat currently held by Democrat Sen. Harriette Chandler, who announced in January she would not be seeking reelection after over 20 years in office.  The Senate seat represents West Boylston, Boylston, Northborough, Berlin, Bolton and Worcester.

Watch below: Petty's announcement video for state Senate run

“During the pandemic, you could see all the disparities and what the limits of municipal government are," Petty said. "I’m running for Senate so I can at least address those resources.”

In February, Petty also filed for a change of committee as a candidate for state senate with the state’s Office of Campaign and Political Finance.

Petty, a Democrat, is currently serving his sixth mayoral term and a 13th term as city councilor-at-large. As mayor, Petty also serves as chairperson of the Worcester School Committee.

If elected, Petty said he’s eager to expand his footprint beyond the city.

“I have a great record I think here in the City of Worcester and people know that," Petty said. "I just have to bring that experience out to the towns.”

Even though we’re months away from the election, Petty said if he were to win the state Senate seat, he does not intend to remain Worcester's mayor. He said he does, however, want to ensure a smooth transition if he were to win.

If Petty were to step down as Worcester’s mayor, City Councilor At-Large Donna Colorio would become mayor to fill out the remainder of Petty's term. Former District 1 city councilor Matt Wally would fill Petty's at-large seat on the City Council after finishing as the first runner-up in last November’s council at-large race.

If he's elected to Senate, Petty could serve in both roles as Worcester's mayor and state senator, for the final year of his current term as mayor, according to state election laws. He would only earn the $62,500 annual salary for the state senator's position and wouldn't be compensated as mayor of Worcester.  

Petty's current two-year term as mayor ends in January 2024. If elected, his two-year term as state senator would start in January 2023.

Last week, YWCA of Central Massachusetts executive director Robyn Kennedy announced her bid for the state Senate seat. Kennedy spent several years in the state house working with then state Senator, and now City Manager, Ed Augustus, as well as in former Gov. Deval Patrick’s office.

The state primary is scheduled for Sept. 6 and the general election is scheduled for Nov. 8.