BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Former City Court Judge James McLeod officially announced his bid for Buffalo mayor on Saturday, becoming the fourth candidate in the running. McLeod, a Utica native, served as a Buffalo City Court judge from 2009 to 2019 and has also held positions as an acting judge in Erie County Court and Erie County Family Court. In his announcement, McLeod emphasized the need for economic growth, an active role in the city's educational system, and the reduction of "red tape" for Buffalo businesses. He said Buffalo is in a financial calamity and is becoming two cities -- with a goal of bridging that gap. "Every part of the city was a good place to live," McLeod said. "Unfortunately, with the passage of time and as a result of fiscal mismanagement -- and with too many in City Hall having their attentions directed to the big donors -- the average Buffalo family began to be neglected. And it has resulted in Buffalo becoming two cities with the dividing line being Main Street." Who is running for Buffalo mayor in 2025? McLeod said another priority of his is the city's education system, and working to increase retention and graduation rates. In an interview with WIVB News 4 in December, McLeod listed the city's youth as one of his main areas of focus when it comes to improving the city. He created the first "young adult" court in Western New York for youth ages 16-18 to try and decrease recidivism. “If we’re going to be a great city again, we have to work with our young people because they are indeed our future," he said. "We have to find out the root cause of the problems and to keep them there and I believe I have the ability, I have the history, I have the know how to try to do that.” According to his alma mater’s website, McLeod was the second African American in Buffalo to be hired as an associate with a major law firm. He has also served on the YMCA Board of Directors and as legal counsel to the Buffalo Urban League, among other positions. The list of candidates for the primary that will take place in late June now includes McLeod, State Senator Sean Ryan, Former City of Buffalo Fire Commissioner Garnell Whitfield and Buffalo Common Councilmember Rasheed Wyatt. The general election will be held on Nov. 4. Latest Local News Former judge James McLeod announces mayoral bid Tourism industry calls Bills’ playoff run ‘a win-win’ as out-of-town fans visit Niagara Falls One dead, one injured in overnight Buffalo shooting Local chefs give behind-the-scenes look at cooking for Buffalo Bills WNY natives react to possible TikTok ban Katie Skoog joined the News 4 team in April 2024. She is a graduate from the University at Buffalo. You can view more of her work here.