Erie School Board member Tom Spagel will run for mayor of the City of Erie, according to a news release from his campaign Tuesday. 

Spagel will run against fellow Democrat and incumbent Mayor Joe Schember in the Pennsylvania primary set for May 18. 

Mayor Schember last week announced he will seek a second term. 

Spagel will formally launch his campaign on Thursday, March 4 from Staganelli's, an Italian food store on W. 26th St. in Erie owned by Spagel's family.

"I love our city," Spagel posted on his campaign's Facebook page. "But for far too long, we've been complacent within the walls of City Hall. We've elected nice people, but haven't seen action. I promise to fight for us, to turn our city into a place where our youth stays, where opportunities are plentiful, and where we can work together to accomplish great things." 

The event will be closed to the public because of COVID-19 restrictions.