"I'm ready to go across the street and fight for our future," says Mayor Virg Bernero on WILX's Today.

Mayor Bernero finally announced he is entering the race for governor Monday morning. Now the question is: what will his run and campaign mean for the city of Lansing?

"It's a mixed bag," says Bill Rustem of Public Sector Consultants.

Rustem says Bernero now faces the decision of whether he'll give up his duties as mayor.

"I think there will be some people will feel a sense of abandonment should he check to step down or not give the attention that he ought to to the job of mayor," says Rustem.

But Mayor Bernero telling News 10 voters can rest assured.

"I'm grateful for the trust voters put in me. I'm not going to betray that trust in any way shape or form. And I'm excited to see what I'll be able to do for Lansing and all cities as governor," says Bernero.

Lansing residents say they weren't at all surprised he's entered the race, but they have mixed views on what this could mean for the city.

"He was just re-elected so I think he's jumping the gun a bit on his mayor duties," says Lansing resident Jill Malusek.

"He believes in the city and he believes in the state. I think he'll do a great job," says Lansing resident Jeffrey Dahnke.

Rustem also agrees Mayor Bernero's campaign could benefit Lansing.

"If he is elected, it's good for someone to know their hometown and care about their hometown, so there could be benefits to Lansing in the long-run. But there's a long road to go before he gets there, so we'll have to wait and see," says Rustem.

Rustem says the Democratic race for governor is wide open, and it's too early to tell what Mayor Bernero's chances are. So far, only one other candidate - State Rep. Alma Wheeler Smith - has officially entered the race. Rustem says he expects many more candidates to enter the race before the August primary.