Former SuperSonic James Donaldson launches second bid for Seattle mayor

Former Sonics player running for Seattle mayor

James Donaldson announced his candidacy for Seattle Mayor.

SEATTLE - Former Seattle SuperSonic and small businessman James Donaldson is running for Seattle mayor - again.

Donaldson held a press briefing at Seattle Center Thursday to announce his candidacy, saying it's time to end the "status quo" in Seattle.

"I can't sit idly by and let the same old, same old continue to take us down this path that we're going by," Donaldson said. "We can do so much better. We've been so much better. I've been here for 40 years."

Donaldson ran for Seattle mayor back in 2009 and came in fourth. Prior to the campaign, the 7’2" businessman and Washington State University alumni spent three seasons with the Sonics.

After he retired from the NBA, Donaldson started a sports fitness business and launched a non-profit helping those struggling with mental health challenges, addiction, and suicide prevention and awareness.

He's at least the eighth candidate to announce their bid for Seattle's top job since incumbent Mayor Jenny Durkan announced she would not seek re-election.

The most high-profile candidate to enter the race so far is Seattle City Council President Lorena González.

Seattle City Council President Lorena González announces bid for mayor

She's considered the most high-profile candidate to enter the race so far. 

Other mayoral candidates include: Chief Seattle Club President Colleen Echohawk; architect and urban designer Andrew Grant Houston; South Seattle economic development leader Lance Randall; Henry Clay Dennison of the Socialist Workers Party; Matthew Ervin and William Kopatich.

The deadline to file for candidacy is May 21, according to The Seattle Times.

Stay connected with Q13 News on all platforms:

DOWNLOAD: Q13 News and Weather Apps
WATCH: Q13 News Live
SUBSCRIBE: Q13 FOX on YouTube
FOLLOW: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram