State Sen. Richard Madaleno formally announced on Monday that he is running for governor in next year’s election.

The Montgomery County Democrat enters an already crowded field of Democrats vying to unseat Republican Gov. Larry Hogan. 

Madaleno pitched himself as a leader on progressive issues, a contrast with Hogan, and as an experienced policymaker, a contrast with fellow progressive candidate and former NAACP leader Ben Jealous.

“I have fought these battles, these progressive battles, and I have won time and time again, whether it’s raising the minimum wage, raising the Earned Income Tax Credit, coming up with landmark legislation to fund our public schools and our universities,” he said. “I have been at the forefront.”

He described himself as a civil rights advocate, touting his efforts on legislation legalizing gay marriage and giving returned felons the right to vote. If elected, he would be Maryland’s first openly gay governor.

By running, Madaleno is giving up his position as vice-chairman of the state Senate’s powerful Budget and Tax Committee.