Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox announced Thursday morning his plans to explore running for Alabama governor in 2018.

"Today, I am announcing the formation of a political committee to help me explore the possibility of running for Governor in 2018," his statement and announcement video said. "The decision to form the committee was easy. By taking this step, I am complying with Alabama's election and ethics laws and continuing our tradition of transparency."

The more difficult decision of running for Governor lies ahead, and I take seriously my responsibilities as a husband, father and mayor. For those that I love and serve, they deserve thoughtful answers.

"Wherever this path may lead, it is undeniable, that as Alabamians, we all deserve better," he says. "In just the past two years, our Governor, our Chief Justice, and our Speaker of the House have all left office under a cloud of shame."

Maddox is using the campaign slogan "Make Alabama proud again."

And, he said, he has no plans to abandon the Democratic Party.

"While many have urged me to change parties for the sake of political convenience, that would be dishonest -- dishonest with you, dishonest with myself," Maddox said. "We don't need any more dishonesty."

The days of party rule, Maddox said, should end.

"It's time to run for the people of Alabama. Your voice matters."

In April, Maddox appeared on a local radio where he suggested his intent on entering the race.

"For me, over the next few months, I've got to look at three things," he said in April. "Number one, can your family take on a statewide campaign? That is tremendous to say the least on your family. Number two, if you win, can you govern? And number three, can you win?"

Kay Ivey took the oath of office as Alabama's 54th governor in April after Robert Bentley resigned after pleading guilty to violating campaign finance laws.

Maddox, who has been mayor since 2005, was re-elected to a fourth-term during an election in March by defeating his challenger Stepfon "Step" Lewis in a landslide. Maddox campaign told the news organization that he received 5,956. Lewis received 541 votes.

He has been praised for his economic development work and his handling of the aftermath of the deadly 2011 tornadoes that hit the city, as AL.com wrote in his section about names you should watch to possibly enter the gubernatorial race next year.

Watch Maddox's announcement video below: