The number of candidates vying for the seat on the Portland City Council left open by the late Commissioner Nick Fish keeps growing.

Loretta Smith greets supporters on Election Night, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018 in Portland, Oregon. Erica Morrison / OPB

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Former Multnomah County Commissioner Loretta Smith filed Thursday to run for the seat.

Smith, who ran unsuccessfully for Portland City Council against Jo Ann Hardesty in 2018, is one of six to notify the city's election office of plans to run for the position. Ryan Farmer also dropped off his filing Thursday. Four local activists — Julia DeGraw, Robin Castro, Margot Black and Diana Gutman — also filed this week, according to Deborah Scroggin, an election officer at the City Auditor's Office.

Metro Councilor Sam Chase announced Thursday afternoon he plans to run for the seat as well. Though he has yet to file with the city's election officials, he said he has notified the city’s Open and Accountable Elections programs that he plans to take part in public campaign financing.

“I’m ready to bring my success fighting to address affordable housing and homelessness, protect the environment, and create living wage jobs to the city I love,” Chase tweeted Thursday.

The special election will coincide with the regular May 2020 primary. Candidates have until March 10 to file.

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