Incumbent Chattanooga City Council members Russell Gilbert (5th District) and Peter Murphy (9th District) were among those who dropped by the Hamilton County Election Commission Friday morning to pick up qualifying petitions to run in the March 2013 City of Chattanooga elections.

In District 2, where Sally Robinson has opted not to run for re-election, George Jackson has announced his intent to run. Jackson is chairman of the Hamilton County Young Republicans.

District 3 Councilwoman Pam Ladd had been somewhat publicly considering a mayoral bid, but instead has decided to pursue re-election to her Council seat. Ken Smith is also running for the District 3 spot.

Chattanooga’s elder statesman, Councilman Jack Benson, will face multiple challengers to his attempt to serve another term.

Chris Anderson is running in District 7 against incumbent Councilman Manny Rico, and Moses Freeman is likely to run in District 8, which is currently represented by Councilman Andraé McGary.

Murphy may face a challenge from Yusuf Hakeem, who represented the 9th District before leaving for a state parole board post.

There has been little to no mention of challenger activity in District 1 (Councilwoman Deborah Scott) or District 6 (Councilwoman Carol Berz). Additional announcements are sure to follow in the coming days.

UPDATE: John Wilson has more. Guy Satterfield is running for mayor, Deborah Scott has a challenger, Tramble Stephens is running in District 7, and Demetrus Menifee in District 9.

UPDATE 2: Chris Carroll reports that Rob Healy may run again.