WASHINGTON — (CNN) Former Virginia Sen. Jim Webb announced his campaign for president Thursday.

Webb would become the fifth Democrat to join the primary contest, though in his announcement he did not say specifically that he was seeking the Democratic nomination.

Webb made the announcement on social media, linking to a lengthy letter on his website explaining why he wants to run.

“We need to shake the hold of these shadow elites on our political process,” Webb wrote. “Our elected officials need to get back to the basics of good governance and to remember that their principal obligations are to protect our national interests abroad and to ensure a level playing field here at home.”

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