Flint's former mayor who was ousted by voters in 2015 amid the city's crisis with lead-tainted water is seeking a seat in the Michigan House.
Dayne Walling, a Democrat, announced his plans Monday on social media.
The Flint-area 49th district seat is opening up due to term limits. The Flint Journal reports Lashaya Darisaw, Flint organizing director for Michigan United, and John Cherry, who has worked for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, have formed campaign committees.
In 2014 and 2015, Flint was being run by state-appointed emergency managers when it didn't properly treat corrosive Flint River water. As a result, lead in old pipes contaminated the water.
Walling along with other officials initially told residents the water was safe but eventually blamed state and federal agencies for the problems.