"I'm running for mayor because I believe Lansing needs bold and effective leadership and we need it now," he said.
Bernero said he plans to work toward increasing the safety of the city and revitalizing Lansing's downtown, Old Town and the Riverfront area.
Bernero said he realized he needed to jump in when Rep. Michael Murphy, D-Lansing, pulled out of the mayoral race May 5.
"It was Michael Murphy running that kept me out," he said. "I dismissed it because Murphy decided to run, and I knew I could support him."
"I saw a void when he dropped out."
Bernero was elected to the state Senate in 2002 after serving as a state representative for two years.
Along with Bernero, mayoral candidates who have filed petitions with the city are Leon Black, Melissa Sue Robinson, Gerald Rawley and Mayor Tony Benavides.
The primary election will be held August 5 and the general election date is November4.
Sarah Frank
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