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A dozen people have packed the field for the Nicholasville City Commission race this fall, and forced a primary election in May.

Three of the four current commissioners, Betty Black, Alex Carter and Patty Teater, are all running for re-election.

Nine others filed as candidates: Michael Garrett, Andy Williams, David Kibler, Gregory Bohnett, Michael D. Harness, Clint Sullivan, Bethany Davis Brown, Dexter Knight and J.R. Allen.

The fourth current commissioner, Doug Blackford, did not file for re-election. After six terms, Blackford said it was time for a change.

“I’ve had the pleasure of serving for 12 years,” Blackford said. “I feel like it’s time to step away. I’ve got a sense it was time for a change.”

The city commission consists of four commissioners who serve two-year terms. Mayor Pete Sutherland serves a four-year term.

The May primary will narrow the field to eight candidates, and the November general election will decide which four of those will serve as commissioners.

Friday also marked the filing deadline for all state representatives. While incumbent Kim King of Harrodsburg (R-55) is unopposed, there will be a race for Jessamine County’s other representative seat as well as a Republican primary.

The current District 39 representative, former Nicholasville mayor Russ Meyer, is not running for a fourth term.

“This wasn’t an easy decision, but after talking and praying with my family, it was the right one,” Meyer said in a statement. “Serving the community I love for nearly two decades has been a true honor, and I cannot thank the people enough for their support over the years.”

Republican candidates Jay Corman and Matt Lockett will face each other in the May primary. The winner will then run against Democrat Carolyn Dupont in November for the seat.

All three candidates are from Nicholasville.