For months, they’ve talked about running for city office. Now it’s official — for some of them.

San Antonio City Council candidates on Wednesday began filing for spots on the May 9 ballot, when all 10 council seats will be at stake along with the mayor’s position.

Among the first to step forward in the month-long filing period were five hopefuls for the city’s top office, including two Democratic lawmakers — former state Rep. Mike Villarreal and state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte. Also vying for mayor are Paul A. Martinez, Gerard Ponce and Pogo Mochello Reese.

Three incumbent council members signed up for re-election, including Shirley Gonzales in District 5, Ron Nirenberg in District 8 and Mike Gallagher in District 10.

Filing in District 1 were Jesus G. Reyes and Roberto C. Trevino. In District 7, Fred A. Rangel will be on the ballot.

Expected to generate the most buzz is the mayor’s race. Interim Mayor Ivy Taylor, who succeeded former Mayor Julián Castro when he resigned last year to join President Obama’s Cabinet, hasn’t disclosed her intentions but might not run.

If Taylor passes on the race, that’ll leave the fray to at least three well known contenders, including Van de Putte, Villarreal and former Precinct 4 Commissioner Tommy Adkisson.

Unlike some council elections, this year’s contests include no open seats because none of the incumbents is being forced out of office by term limits, and all were expected to seek re-election with the possible exception of Taylor.

The filing period ends at 5 p.m. on Feb. 27.

jgonzalez@express-news.net

Twitter: @johnwgonzalez