It's already time to start thinking about next year's elections, and it appears at least one newcomer will be running for Lubbock mayor.

Local lawyer Tray Payne (pictured) confirmed a media report on Thursday that he will be running for Lubbock Mayor in 2022, once the filing period is opened.

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Payne's exact quote confirming the report, he deadpanned on Facebook, "Well, I guess it's Facebook official."

Payne is a native of Post and a 1996 gradate of Texas Tech University. He earned his J.D. from Oklahoma City University in 2000.

During his legal career Payne has been admitted to the bar in the State of Texas and the U.S. federal Northern District of Texas. He's also worked as an Assistant District Attorney in Lubbock County and as a special assistant for the Department of Justice.

In 2009, Payne was a founding partner of the Payne, Powell & Truitt Law Group.

In Lubbock, the mayor's office is up for election every two years, and in 2022, the election is scheduled to occur in May. City council districts are up for election every four years.

Current Lubbock Mayor Dan Pope was first elected mayor in May 2016 after previously serving on the Lubbock ISD Board of Trustees. Lubbock City Council districts 1, 3 and 5 are also up for election in 2022.

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