It’s official: Former Congressman Mike Coffman plans to run for mayor of Aurora.

Coffman, a Republican who served the 6th Congressional District and was first elected in 1988, lost his congressional seat to Democrat Jason Crow in the November election.

On Thursday, he pulled the papers necessary to run for mayor from the Aurora City Clerk’s Office. He’d suggested in previous interviews that he was considering entering the race.

“I’m running because I know that I can bring my leadership, experience and knowledge to the city of Aurora to address the challenges of affordable housing, transportation and public safety,” Coffman said in a news release.

Coffman, 63, grew up in Aurora, attended Aurora Public Schools and graduated from the University of Colorado, the news release said. He is a military combat veteran with 21 years of service in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve, and the U.S. Marine Corps and Reserve.

Coffman also served in the state Senate, as state treasurer and as Colorado secretary of state.

“This is a city facing great challenges and with tremendous opportunities. I have seen it grow from a small suburban military town to one of the most diverse and dynamic communities in the United States and I’m very excited about the opportunity to help shape its future,” Coffman said.

Aurora’s longtime mayor, Steve Hogan, died May 13 after a short battle with cancer. He was 69. In June, veteran councilman Bob LeGare, was chosen to succeed Hogan.

The election for mayor is nonpartisan and will be held in November.