The race for Ypsilanti City Council's Ward 1 seat, occupied by Mayor Pro-Tem Trudy Swanson, heated up last week when two residents filed to run in the Nov. 7 general election.

Ward 1 candidates David Kircher and Juanita House - who could not be reached for comment – filed as Democrats before last week's partisan filing deadline. Candidates who plan on filing as independents have a July 20 deadline.

This year's election is shaping into a crowded field with a total of four council seats, including the position of mayor, are on the ballots this year and all are contested.

Along with a three-way race in Ward 1, Barry LaRue, D-Ward 3, has bowed out of this year's elections and his seat will be contested by residents Roderick Johnson and Brian Robb. William Nickels, D-Ward 2, is also facing a challenger for his seat; local attorney John Bailey. There are three candidates running for mayor: resident Steve Pierce, Paul Schreiber and City Council member Lois Richardson, D-Ward 1.