NATCHEZ &045; Candidates are beginning to throw their hats in the ring to run for a variety of city posts, according to information from the City Clerk’s Office.

In addition to Fred Middleton, who announced his run for mayor Monday, those who had qualified to run for municipal positions as of Tuesday include:

4Claude &uot;Buck&uot; Pintard and Jim Blough for city judge.

4James &uot;Ricky&uot; Gray, the incumbent, for alderman in Ward 2.

4Donnell Newsome for alderman in Ward 4.

The deadline to qualify to run for city posts is 5 p.m. March 5. Primaries will be held May 4 and May 18, with the general election set for June 8.

To qualify, one must pay a $10 fee and submit to the city clerk a written statement of intent with his or her name, address and political party and the office he or she is seeking.