Jefferson County Commissioner Lashunda Scales filed papers Wednesday to officially qualify to run for mayor of Birmingham.

“Our city is in a difficult time right now,” Scales said during her announcement. “We know as (we) move ahead that we have got to convince people that there is hope, that Birmingham can have the magic that we once knew. We’ve been working really hard to make sure.”

Scales joins a field of eight candidates running for the office. Incumbent Mayor Randall Woodfin, former Mayor William A Bell, businessman Chris Woods, philanthropist Cerissa A. Brown and community activist Philemon Hill have qualified to run. Community activist Darryl Williams and Birmingham resident Juanita Jones also have filed preliminary paperwork to run for the seat, but have not filed the official qualification paperwork, which is due by Friday.

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Read about candidates in all the races: Birmingham Elections Begin Officially as Candidates File Qualifying Papers

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Scales, who pointed out she would be the first woman elected mayor if she were elected, said her campaign workers have been out since January, going door-to-door and calling residents. “This is a movement to bring the magic back to the city,” she said. “We’re fighting for the soul of the city. And as we move forward, we want all 99 neighborhoods, 23 communities to experience what true magic in this civil rights town represents.”

Scales outlined her agenda if she were to be elected. She said she has a plan to reduce Birmingham’s crime and homicide rate and to clean up the city. She said she wanted to support the city’s workers, the school system, businesses and young professionals.

The election is Aug. 24.