WORCESTER (AP) – Mayor Timothy Murray will run for lieutenant governor next year, saying there is a need for a strong voice on Beacon Hill for the state’s cities and towns.

“For too long, there has been a disconnect and lack of understanding (at the Statehouse) of the issues and problems facing our municipalities,” Murray told the Telegram ‘ Gazette of Worcester Tuesday following a city council meeting.

Murray, a Democrat, was recently elected to a third term as mayor.

The 37-year-old lawyer has filed papers with the state Office of Campaign and Political Finance, allowing him to raise money as a candidate for lieutenant governor.

Three others seeking the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor are Deborah Goldberg, a former chairman of the Brookline Board of Selectmen; Andrea Silbert, of Harwich, co-founder and former chief executive of the Center for Women and Enterprise; and Dr. Sam Kelley, of Cohasset.

Westfield Mayor Richard Sullivan, a Democrat, said earlier this month that he is also considering a run, but has not made a final decision.