Elections are less than a week away and there is one overarching political trend here in Savannah. It seems to be the season of the challengers.

All of the incumbent’s seats in both the Mayoral and City Council races are being challenged. There are 4 candidates running for mayor including incumbent Edna Jackson, 8 for At large Alderman seats and several for council districts.

We met with Tom Barton of the Savannah Morning News to talk about the phenomenon.

Gabrielle Ware:Thanks for joining me Tom. I want to know, is it unusual for every seat to be contested like it is in this election?

Tom Barton: Hey Gabrielle, it's great to be back. Yes it is unusual. Usually, you'll have two or three contested races. But this year every race is contested and that's the first in a long time that I can remember.

Gabrielle Ware: (I'm wondering) Does that speak to Savannah's political climate, that this is happening right now? What are your thoughts on that?

Tom Barton: Absolutely. I think voters are in the mood for change. Not just in the mayors race but in all of the district races. And you're seeing that reflected in the number of candidates. The last time I can remember voters feeling this way...I think about 25 years ago...

LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW ABOVE

Tags: 2015 elections, Savannah, Mayoral race, Tom Barton, savannah morning news, incumbebt, city council