Roanoke City Councilwoman Gwen Mason officially announced this afternoon that she’s running to succeed retiring Del. William Fralin in the General Assembly.

"I intend to seek the Democratic nomination for the 17th District of the Virginia House of Delegates," said Mason, a Democrat who had indicated she was interested in the seat last weekend.

Although a number of other Democrats and Republicans have said they’re considering running, Mason is the first candidate to announce that she’s running outright.

Fralin, a Republican, has held the seat for six years. His announcement on Saturday — the last day of the legislative session — that he won’t seek re-election came as a surprise, even for those within his own party.

Both the Democratic and Republican parties have announced they’ll award their nomination based upon June 9 primaries.

The 17th district includes portions of the city of Roanoke, and Roanoke and Botetourt counties.