Former Montevallo city attorney and mayoral candidate Steven Sears filed a motion Wednesday asking a judge to throw out a ruling that keeps Mayor Ben McCrory in office.

McCrory defeated Sears, 412-403, in the city’s mayoral runoff last October. Sears contends McCrory failed to follow the state’s campaign finance reporting requirements. McCrory has admitted to minor paperwork mistakes, but said none were significant enough to cost him his seat.

On Jan. 21, Circuit Judge Robert M. Harper of Lee County ruled that McCrory could remain in office.