TIFTON — Mayor Julie Smith has announced her bid for a third term as the city’s mayor.

Tifton’s mayor said in a statement she is running for the position again, hoping to continue her run as the city’s first female mayor and serve her community with the Tifton City Council.

“Serving as mayor of my hometown has been an incredible honor,” Smith said. “I hope the residents and businesses of our community will allow me to serve for another four years.”

Smith has been a member of the council for 12 years, initially as the representative of District 4 before being elected mayor. She has been active with the Tifton-Tift County Development Authority, having served on the board for eight years, and is set to complete her first year as the president of the Georgia Municipal Association in late June.

Smith, as well as any other candidates vying for the mayoral position, can file to qualify during the qualifying period in August. Qualifying will also be open for candidates seeking City Council District 2 and 4 seats.

The election is scheduled for November.