Former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley has jumped into the race for the Democratic nomination for president.
It'll be a longshot challenge to front-runner Hillary Rodham Clinton, but O'Malley is calling for new leadership.
O'Malley made the announcement Saturday in a Baltimore park, telling a crowd of about 1,000 people, "I'm running for you."
He was Baltimore mayor before winning two terms as governor. Moments after his announcement, protesters shouting "Black lives matter" interrupted the event.
Protester shouting 'Black Lives Matter' at O'Malley presidential announcement in Baltimore.— Steve Dorsey (@steve_dorsey) May 30, 2015
O'Malley is presenting himself to voters as a next-generation leader for the Democratic Party, citing his record on issues such as gay marriage, immigration and economic issues. He has made frequent visits to the early-voting states of Iowa and New Hampshire, but is still largely unknown in a field dominated by Clinton.
Also in the race is Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. O'Malley is holding events in Iowa later Saturday, and plans to be in New Hampshire on Sunday.
O'Malley wasted no time exchanging some friendly tweets with fellow Democratic hopeful, and frontrunner Hillary Clinton. Some speculate that O'Malley is positioning himself as Clinton's running mate.
.@HillaryClinton Thanks, Hillary. I'm eager to engage in a healthy debate about our visions for America.— Martin O'Malley (@GovernorOMalley) May 30, 2015
Additional reporting by Mashable