The state of Tennessee's longest sitting mayor is stepping aside.
In a joint announcement, Cleveland, Tenn., Mayor Tom Rowland announced he will not seek re-election, while current state representative Kevin Brooks, R-Cleveland, will give up his District 24 Tennessee House of Representatives seat to run for mayor. Later in the evening, Bradley County Commissioner Mark Hall also threw his hat into the ring via an announcement on his Facebook page.
"I feel the time has come for a new person to continue our progress and growth," Rowland said. "I will not be seeking re-election this August. That decision was not made hastily. It was made with much prayer and the fact that someone has stepped forward that I feel can continue our progress."
Rowland was elected Cleveland's mayor in 1991. He is the longest-serving mayor in the history of Cleveland.
Staff Photo by Dan Henry / The Chattanooga Times Free Press- 5/12/17. Cleveland Mayor Tom Roland and State Representative Kevin Brooks listen to TDOT Commissioner John Schroer speak during the grand opening of the new Tom Rowland Interchange in Cleveland, Tenn., on May 12, 2017. 
Staff Photo by Dan Henry / The Chattanooga Times Free Press- 5/12/17. Cleveland Mayor Tom Roland, right, embraces TDOT Commissioner John Schroer after he spoke during the grand opening of the new Tom Rowland Interchange in Cleveland, Tenn., on May 12, 2017. Rowland endorsed Brooks in a Thursday morning news conference after announcing that he would not seek re-election.
"I believe when you seek God's will, you must abide by what He tells you to do," Rowland said. "I'm excited that State Representative Kevin Brooks, a friend that shares our values, is stepping forward to make a total commitment to being mayor of the City with Spirit."
Rowland had many goals when he first took office and said the city has reached almost all of them. They included a museum, a greenway, transportation improvements including the regional jetport, and more.
The jetport is "something that mayors for 50 years have been talking about and I was so glad it was accomplished on my watch - it's something we needed so badly and it's been very useful," he said.
During his time as mayor, Cleveland grew from 28,000 residents to more than 45,000. It is expected to grow to 50,000 in the 2020 census, Rowland said.
"Our commercial and industrial growth has been phenomenal. This is not due to one person, but many partners working together for the common good of the community," Rowland said.
He expects Brooks to continue leading the way forward on the Veterans Memorial Park on APD 40 and the long-planned veterans nursing home.
Brooks accepted the endorsement and announced his candidacy at The Museum Center at Five Points in front of his wife, son, city leaders, residents and his daughter, who was watching on Facebook Live. He sees the opportunity to move back home and serve his community after 12 years' service in the state Legislature.
"It's a momentous day, and I give God thanks," Brooks said.
"As I stand here today, right in the middle of our historic downtown, at what is now the end of the 175th anniversary of Cleveland and the beginning of the 100th anniversary of Lee University, we literally are surrounded by history. It is in this setting - thankfully with the endorsement of my Mayor Tom Rowland - that I proudly announce my candidacy for the office of mayor of the great city of Cleveland, Tennessee."
Later Thursday, Hall made his intentions known via social media.
"I want everyone on Facebook to know I'm running for Tennessee State Representative of the 24th District," he wrote.
"As most of you know, I have faithfully served as 7th District Bradley County Commissioner for the past 12 years and my record of service speaks for itself.
"We face the daunting challenges in our schools and the need to provide the education and technology that will give our children the skills to compete in this high technology environment.
"Our infrastructure and escalating traffic issues require all of us to work together to keep pace with growing needs of our community.
"We live in one of the most beautiful areas in the country. Please join me and let's create a bright future for Cleveland/Bradley County."
Staff writer Judy Walton contributed to this report.
Contact staff writer Mark Pace at mpace@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6659. Follow him on Twitter @themarkpace and on Facebook at ChattanoogaOutdoorsTFP.