Bob Marx, a Hilo attorney, has announced he will run in the Democratic primary for the 2nd Congressional District.

“I have spent my life fighting for the middle class and for the people of the Big Island,” he said in a statement.  “I not only live in the 2nd Congressional District, but understand how rural Oahu and the Neighbor Islands feel disenfranchised.”

“I have the experience, history, and the determination to put Hawaii first as your congressman. This next congressional session is going to be about jobs and the economy.”

Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann, Honolulu City Councilwoman Tulsi Gabbard, state Office of Hawaiian Affairs chief advocate Esther Kiaaina, and attorney and patients’ rights advocate Rafael del Castillo are running in the Democratic primary. Jonah Kaauwai, the former state GOP chairman, is considering a Republican campaign.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, is leaving the 2nd District seat to run for U.S. Senate.