"Tonight, I am announcing I am a candidate for the Mayor's office for the great city of Dothan," Mike Schmitz told a group of over 100 people Thursday at his car dealership near downtown.

With that said, residents of the Circle City have their first nominee for Mayor in the upcoming July election.

Mike Schmitz is well known for his "rags to riches" story. As a child he spent time in an orphanage, and now owns the multi-million dollar Mike Schmitz Automotive Group.

He says his upbringing and business sense make him a viable candidate.

He had a lot of backers like Jean Williams Thursday. She says his "self-made man" story is appealing.

"He's a great asset to Dothan," said Williams. "He's a successful businessman. I think he will be financially accountable, and I just trust him."

So far, Schmitz is the only person to announce a run for Mayor. Current Mayor Pat Thomas is not seeking re-election, but pledges support for Schmitz.

"I know he's committed to the causes he takes up, and there's not a bigger cause and not a bigger commitment," Mayor Thomas said. "I am confident he can do a good job."

Schmitz mentioned improving education now as a way to improve many problems in the city of Dothan. He says the current drop-out rate in city schools is "not acceptable." He says education effects crime, quality of life, and economic development and cannot wait to be fixed.

He also says his business background would help city decision-making.

"With the sales tax revenues down and the budget, we need to really be careful financially," Schmitz told media members Thursday. "And we need to still be positive and provide growth for the city of Dothan."

It's a balance that could be hard to strike. Three city commission seats are also up for election this July.

He told the crowd Thursday that one thing is certain for the city of Dothan.

"Divided we will fail, together we can do better."

It is unclear who will join Schmitz in running for Mayor. Commissioner Keith Seagle says he is being encouraged to run, and is keeping his options open. Commissioner Paul Lee says he will concentrate his efforts of re-election for his District 3 commission seat. He plans to announce that next week.

Bobby Lewis, who has run for Mayor unsuccessfully in past elections, tells News 4 he will not seek the position.