Marion Barry's son to run for late father's DC Council seat

The only son of former District of Columbia Mayor Marion Barry is seeking his late father's seat on the D.C. Council.

Thirty-four-year-old Christopher Barry picked up nominating petitions at the D.C. Board of Elections on Monday.

Marion Barry died in November at age 78. His son's entry in the race makes it an even two dozen candidates running in a special election to replace him on the council. Barry represented Ward 8, the poorest section of the city.

Christopher Barry tells The Associated Press that he's always had political ambitions even though he hasn't discussed them publicly. He says he has "the passion and the experience" to serve the ward.

The younger Barry has been arrested three times on drug and traffic charges. He's currently on probation.