The race for New Orleans’ mayor is officially on.

Qualifying opens today for winter elections to replace Mayor Ray Nagin, who is prevented by term limits from running. The primary is set for Feb. 6, with a runoff a month later, if necessary.

Heading into the three-day qualifying period, at least eight people had declared plans to run. They include (top row left to right above) nonprofit founder Leslie Jacobs; state Sen. Ed Murray; attorney Rob Couhig; Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu; (bottom row left to right) consultant Troy Henry; fair housing advocate James Perry; former judge Nadine Ramsey; and businessman John Georges.

Qualifying closes Friday.

Read story at WWL.com.