Jeffre, 32, announced his candidacy Friday at a press conference at his alma mater.
The former singer explained his new career choice, "I’m very passionate about my community and I believe Cincinnati can and will be the role model for modernizing the American heartland."
Another former star of 98 Degrees, Nick Lachey – husband of singer Jessica Simpson – will attend a party Saturday to celebrate Jeffre’s entry.
98 Degrees was very successful in America, notably with the song Give Me Just One Night, in the fall of 2000.