Mayor Bob Foster, who is so far unopposed in his 2010 bid for reelection, could have a challenger next year.
A candidate named Stevie Merino, who is affiliated with the Party for Socialism and Liberation in Los Angeles, took out papers this week to run in the April election, the Long Beach city clerk's office confirmed.
Merino would not formally be considered a candidate unless she returns her declaration to seek office.
Merino could not immediately be reached for comment. A woman who answered the phone at the Socialism and Liberation office said Merino is 21 years old and a student at Cerritos College.
