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The mayor of New Jersey’s biggest city is running for the U.S. Senate.

Cory Booker officially announced his candidacy to finish out late senator Frank Lautenberg’s term at news conference today. If he wins the nomination, the Newark mayor will fill in for Lautenberg, a five-term New Jersey Democrat who died from pneumonia on Monday.

MUST READ: 10 Potential Girlfriends To Make Cory Booker’s Mom Happy [PHOTOS]

According to reports, the 44-year-old politician had plans of running for Congress way before Lautenberg’s passing. He already has at least $1.9 million raised for his campaign and a massive following.

“I am here because I believe that people who care, can find solutions to even the most difficult problems. I am here because when we work together, I know from experience that there is no problem we can’t solve,” Booker said. “I ask for your support as I seek to serve as your Senator in that seat. The reason is simple: I believe I am the best candidate to continue the passionate advocacy for progressive values that Sen. Lautenberg exemplified.”

He went on to say:

“We in New Jersey know a thing or two about toughness, about resiliency and strength. I know this and I’ve seen it over and over at every point in my career as an elected official. I know the truth of who we are when we are together and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, especially here in New Jersey, that there is nothing we can’t do together.”

Tell us how you feel about Booker’s candidacy below.

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