FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) — On Tuesday, Fort Wayne City Councilman Jason Arp (R) officially filed to run for Fort Wayne mayor.

In August 2022, Arp said he was considering a run for mayor, and he filed to create an exploratory committee for a possible mayoral campaign.

“I think someone needs to stand up for the people of Fort Wayne against the cartel that runs much of the economic development,” Arp said in an interview with WANE 15.

During the interview, Arp also said he hopes to cut ties with Greater Fort Wayne if he became mayor and decide how economic development should move forward as a city.

Arp also said he hopes to encourage development of industrial facilities and manufacturing jobs if he became mayor.

Arp joins Jorge Fernandez (D) as the only candidates to officially file to run for mayor, although current Mayor Tom Henry (D) and Councilman Tom Didier (R) have each previously said they intend to run for mayor.

The next mayoral election will take place in 2023.