Vincent Gray running for mayor

City Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray formally announced today that he will challenge Mayor Adrian M. Fenty.

The former Ward 7 D.C. Council member officially launched his campaign before dozens of supporters Tuesday afternoon at the Reeves Center on U Street, including numerous labor and civic leaders.

Under the slogan "One City. Leadership We Need," Gray, 67, is pictured on his campaign Web site in a white shirt and red tie with his arms folded. The home page asks readers to "Join Vince Gray's campaign to take back Washington and make it great for ALL of us."

However, the contest could get considerably more competitive and unpredictable in the coming days: Millionaire developer R. Donahue Peebles said Monday that he is "planning to run" as well, backing off earlier statements that family issues would keep him out of the race.

Until earlier this year, few expected Fenty to face one serious challenger, much less two, but it appears that there will be a five-month scramble for the Democratic nomination, which is tantamount to victory in the overwhelmingly Democratic city.

With recent polls showing Fenty struggling with many voters, particularly African Americans, Gray immediately sought to present himself as someone who would unify the city.

"I really believe the city needs a style of leadership that can bring people together," Gray said in an interview. "I'm running out of a sense of responsibility to the city.

-- Tim Craig