Jim Graham. (via Wikipedia)

Councilmember Jim Graham formally announced his plans to seek reelection today.

On NewsTalk With Bruce DePuyt, the four-term, Ward 1 politician said he made the decision to run after “a number of factors,” including recent service projects like his turkey giveaway.

“It came down to, ‘Jim, do you want to serve another four years? Is this really something you want to do? Do you really want to be of service?’ And they answer I came up with is ‘yes.'”

Running against Graham is Brianne Nadeau, a former U Street ANC commissioner, who said today that she will file “almost double the valid number of signatures” needed to be on the ballot today and has raised $90,000 in new money.

“After 15 years, voters in Ward 1 are telling me they’re ready for a new energy and some real leadership on the Council,” Nadeau said in a statement. “It’s time to start solving our problems for the long-term, not just case-by-case. We need to focus on improving our schools, increasing affordability and supporting long-term shared economic growth.”

Former Ward 1 ANC commissioner Bryan Weaver, also running for the seat, said Graham’s decision to run for reelection “reflects just how out of touch he has become about the importance of the public’s trust in our government.”

“Ward 1 needs a Councilmember who reflects the values of those who live here,” Weaver said. “Washingtonians can no longer close their eyes and ears to the city’s corruption. When we fail to speak up and speak out against what we know is wrong, it strikes a blow against the progress, livability, and livelihoods of every D.C. resident. The people of Ward 1 deserve better.”

Also gunning for Graham’s seat is ex-Council staffer Beverley Wheeler.

The Councilmember, first elected in 1998, was reprimanded earlier this year over an investigation into his role in the awarding of a 2009 D.C. Lottery contract. “That’s old business,” he explained. Graham will face these three candidates in the April primary.