AUGUSTA — At-Large City Councilor David Rollins announced plans to run for mayor, a spot that will be available if Mayor William Stokes’ nomination to become a judge is confirmed by the state Senate.

Rollins said Stokes is expected to receive confirmation to become a Superior Court justice. Stokes would have to resign as mayor if his nomination to become a justice is approved.

Rollins announced, in a news release this week, his intention to run for mayor if and when Stokes leaves the mayor’s post to become a justice.

“I will run an intensive four month campaign for mayor,” Rollins said in the release. “I have the spirit and passion for Augusta, and the experience to lead the city in which I take so much pride. I will provide new leadership at a crucial time, as we are about to lose our outstanding Mayor Bill Stokes to a higher calling.”

Rollins is in his third term on the council and briefly served as interim mayor in 2011 after Roger Katz, mayor at the time, became a state senator.

Rollins’ announcement precedes the availability of nomination papers for local positions on the Nov. 4 ballot.

Nomination papers for Augusta City Council and Board of Education positions will be available July 14 at Augusta City Center, and will be due back between Aug. 5 and 19.