(KRON) — Former Oakland Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong is set to run for the Oakland City Council, his spokesperson confirmed Wednesday.

Armstrong, who was fired as police chief by Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao in February 2023, will file his paperwork Wednesday to run for the at-large seat on the city council, public relations spokesperson Sam Singer said.

“Armstrong, a West Oakland native and 24-year veteran of the Oakland Police Department, is filing his candidacy to run for Oakland City Council At-Large,” a news release said. “As the City of Oakland struggles with increasing crime and a looming budget deficit, Armstrong has stepped up to continue to serve the residents and businesses he knows and loves.”

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There are eight other candidates who have already filed to run for the at-large city councilmember seat in the November election, according to the city’s municipal election webpage. These candidates include Rowena Brown, Tonya Love, Kanitha Matoury, Mindy Pechenuk, Fabian Robinson, Selika Thomas, Cristina Tosado and Charlene Wang.

At the time Armstrong was fired by the mayor, the official reason for dismissal given was connected to a report alleging the former top cop mishandled two misconduct incidents within the Oakland Police Department. An arbitrator would later clear Armstrong of any wrongdoing.

Armstrong filed a lawsuit against the City of Oakland and Mayor Thao in February 2024, alleging that the firing was illegal.

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