WATCH: P.G. County Executive Baker Announces Run For Governor

John Matthews
WMAL.com

UPPER MARLBORO, MD — (CNN) In an announcement that has been widely anticipated for some time, Rushern Baker announced early Wednesday that he is running for the Democratic nomination for Governor in Maryland.

Baker, who has spent the past seven years as Prince George’s County Executive, released the news in a press release and video on his official campaign page.

“Marylanders work hard for their money and deserve a Governor who’ll make it easier for them to afford healthcare, provide for their families, plan for the future, and have great public schools,” Baker said in a press release. “They deserve a Governor that supports paid sick leave, makes Maryland a leader in innovation and economic growth and stands up for the rights of all of us.”

Baker aims to become Maryland’s first African American governor and the first Prince George’s Countian to serve in the role since Parris Glendenning, who was Governor from 1995 to 2003.

Baker joins a Democrat field that includes former NAACP leader Benjamin Jealous, state Senator Rich Madaleno (Montgomery) and Baltimore tech entrepreneur Alec Ross. Others who are said to be considering a run include Congressman John Delaney, former state Attorney General Doug Gansler and Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz.

The winner will take on Governor Larry Hogan in next year’s general election.