Sean Lahman

@seanlahman

Former broadcast journalist Rachel Barnhart will formally announce her plan to seek the Democratic nomination for Mayor on Monday.

Barnhart confirmed Friday morning that she will launch her campaign with a Monday afternoon press conference at a downtown hotel .

"We'll be announcing a bold vision to grow the economy and reduce poverty," she said "I'm excited about the opportunity to present this plan to voters and talk about important issues."

The announcement comes three weeks after county legislator and former police chief James Sheppard announced his candidacy. Incumbent Lovely Warren has not yet revealed whether she plans to seek re-election for a second term.

"I welcome anyone to the campaign who contributes to the positive and constructive discussion of the issues facing Rochester," Sheppard said in a release. "Our city is just not working now, and we need to have a serious and productive exchange of ideas to put before voters during this campaign."

Barnhart grew up in the Maplewood neighborhood and graduated from John Marshall High School and Cornell University. She spent 17 years as a television news reporter and anchor, leaving the profession last fall to make her first foray into politics. Barnhart challenged state assemblyman Harry Bronson in a Democratic primary that was hard fought and contentious.

Barnhart lost that race, but wrote about her experience afterwards in a book called Broad, Casted: Gender, Media, Politics, and Taking on the Establishment.

In it, she decried the personal attacks she said were made against her during the campaign and railed against the Democratic party establishment that has long dominated local politics.

During her Assembly campaign, Barnhart emphasized the need to buck the status quo.

"We can do better,'" she said in a speech announcing her Assembly run. "One person can make a difference."

Barnhart campaigned against corruption in Albany and was critical of state-funded economic development efforts, arguing that taxpayer money should not be used to pick winners and losers in business.

She lost the primary by roughly 500 votes, and Bronson went on to win re-election in November.

That strong showing by a political newcomer prompted many observers to ask whether she would consider running again.

In December, she posted a statement on social media confirming that her team was exploring a mayoral run.

"I’m looking for the best opportunity to serve our community. I’m a lifelong city resident and graduate of city schools and I built my career around covering issues in the city that are important to residents," she wrote. "Our city is struggling with poverty and a lack of economic opportunity. There are problems we need to solve. Right now, they’re not being adequately addressed."

SLAHMAN@Gannett.com

► Sheppard officially announces run for mayor

► Sheppard raises, Warren refunds union cash

► Bronson, Barnhart spar in debate for 138th Assembly