LAREDO, Tex.

(KGNS) - International trade expert JD Gonzalez announced his candidacy for Laredo mayor before a crowd of local supporters, citing his background in global commerce and military service as qualifications for the role.

Gonzalez, the former president of the National Broker Association, said his experience sets him apart in the race."I think that we need somebody that's a national expert. I'm a business owner. I think that I have a better opportunity to go out there with experience. On top of that, I'm a 10-year Navy veteran. So I want to throw my experience in there and make it better," Gonzalez said.