Greg Fischer, whose first experience in campaign politics was a failed primary run against Bruce Lunsford last year, is the first candidate to make it official after Jerry Abramson’s big news this morning.

“Louisville is at a crossroads as we consider new directions for the twenty-first century,” Fischer said in a news release. “Not only are my sights set on creating an open and diverse culture at City Hall, but I feel the time has clearly come to unleash the potential of one of the most unique cities in America. We must find new ways to harness Louisville’s energy.”

Fischer has been talking about the race for several months now, and has gained plenty of support.  He’s even got a staff together. And his website is already live.

Right now, the Democratic primary next spring is shaping up as an expensive battle between Fischer and Jim King, who we expect to hear from later today. I spoke with David Tandy this morning, and he just didn’t seem ready to jump in the race. We’ll see. And Tyler Allen remains a dark horse candidate, who says he’s still exploring the race.