Local activist Ali Ramos has announced that she will face incumbent Place 4 City Councilman Howard Smith for his seat in May.

Ramos, who announced her campaign officially earlier this week, clarified on Wednesday that she will now seek Smith’s seat on the City Council. Previously, Ramos had not declared a specific place in her original campaign announcement.

Smith, a local realtor, has served on the City Council since the Amarillo Matters slate’s successful takeover of the governing body in May 2017. Smith was re-elected in 2019 against activist Steven R. Rosas, Jr.

As we previously reported, Ramos is currently a remote faculty member for the Columbia School of Social Work. Ramos also holds experience as a full-time graphic designer and illustrator.

Candidates can begin filing for seats on the Amarillo City Council on January 12, 2021. Election Day is May 1, 2021.