There are nearly two dozen candidates vying to be the next mayor of Bakersfield.

23ABC touched base with the city clerk's office Thursday morning, who said that 22 people have taken out paperwork to run for mayor.

There are three people who have turned in their papers.

But so far, only Alex Merrill had his signatures verified.

Candidates have until March 11th to file their application.

Roberta Gafford said it's the most number of candidates since 2000 when 17 people filed papers and 10 actually ran.