St. Louis police chief Sam Dotson enters mayoral race

ST. LOUIS — St. Louis police chief Sam Dotson has announced his candidacy for the mayor’s office.

Dotson announced his plans Wednesday to seek the mayor’s office in the 2017 election.

Shortly before Dotson announced his candidacy, Mayor Francis Slay said he’d expect Dotson to resign if he seeks the office. Slay said St. Louis has to have a full-time police chief. Slay isn’t seeking re-election.

But Dotson said he will focus on his job as chief during the day and will campaign at night and on the weekends.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported in addition to Dotson, 28th Ward Alderwoman Lyda Krewson and Board of Aldermen president Lewis Reed officially have said they’re running for mayor.

Information from: St. Louis Post-Dispatch, http://www.stltoday.com