Mayor George Flaggs Jr. has qualified for re-election as mayor.

Flaggs, a Democrat, submitted his qualification papers noon Wednesday at the city clerk’s office.

“I am running for re-election because of the passion and love that I have for our great city,” Flaggs said in a statement announcing his qualifying.

“Over the past 3 ½ years, the city of Vicksburg has seen an unprecedented number of accomplishments that have been achieved through responsible fiscal management, careful budget oversight and transparency in governmental operations.  We have been able to move forward in a positive direction with a promising pathway to the future.

“I continue to stand committed to making our government as accountable as it can be. I truly believe we need to continue the progress we’ve made in making sure our community is safe, productive and prosperous. I make a promise that I will continue to serve the citizens of the city of Vicksburg with honesty, integrity and experience.”

Flaggs, a former state representative from District 55, finished first in a seven-candidate Democratic primary with more than 50 percent of the vote, and defeated independent candidate Daryl Hollingsworth in the general election for his first term as mayor. He was sworn in July 1, 2013.

The mayor’s salary is $93,450 per year; the aldermen earn $74,550.

The mayor’s and aldermen’s salaries are set by city ordinance and will increase by 5 percent July 1, 2018.

Qualifying runs through 5 p.m. March 3 at the city clerk’s office in City Hall. The primary election is May 2, with runoff elections May 16. The general election is June 6. The new Board of Mayor and Aldermen will be sworn-in in July.

To run for office, a candidate must be a registered voter in the city where they plan to run, have never been convicted of bribery, perjury or any other crime punished by a minimum of one year in prison, unless pardoned, and never been convicted of a felony in state or federal court.

To qualify for a party primary, a candidate must submit qualifying papers at least 60 days before the first primary and pay a $10 qualifying fee.

Candidates running as independents must file qualifying papers and a qualifying petition signed by 50 registered voters in the city within 60 days before the first primary election. Independent candidates do not have to pay a filing fee

To win in the first primary, which is a party primary, a candidate must win by 50 percent of the vote plus one more vote.