The race for Stamford mayor is already underway, with two candidates filing to run.

David Martin has won two terms as Stamford's mayor. Now, the Democrat says he'll try for a third.

"I'm not doing this to advance my political career. I'm doing this because I love this. I lived here with my late wife for almost 40 years. My two daughters graduated from Stamford Public Schools," says Martin.

Martin filed to run again a month ago but says he didn't make a public announcement yet because his focus has been on the city's vaccination efforts.

On Wednesday, he confirmed his campaign as another candidate entered the race.

State Rep. Caroline Simmons, also a Democrat, filled out her paperwork at the clerk's office Wednesday morning.

"I think we need new leadership and a new vision and someone who can bring bold, innovative ideas to the table and a collaborative approach to take our city to the next level," she says.

Simmons has represented Stamford in the Connecticut General Assembly for the past seven years. Before that, she worked at the Department of Homeland Security.

"I feel like we're at a critical turning point right now. So many people are struggling. People have lost their jobs, people have lost loved ones. Our schools and small business are struggling. People are wondering how we're going to get out of this health and economic crisis," Simmons says.

Simmons says she wants to make Stamford more inclusive, equitable and affordable.

"We have so much talent and so many devoted and diverse people across this city, and I think we need to do a better job of listening to everyone," she says.

Martin says his team has made a lot of progress. He points to a new school, traffic improvements, body cameras for police and the response to the pandemic.

"I think we've got a strong record of accomplishments, and we've got a lot more yet to do," Martin says.

Stamford has never had a female mayor. The Democratic City Committee will endorse a candidate later this year.

But, with enough signatures, other Democrats can get on the ballot in the primary. No Republicans have entered the race yet.