Former state Sen. Mike Johnston on Tuesday launched his campaign for governor, hoping to bridge divides left from the recent polarizing election.

The Democrat announced his 2018 gubernatorial plans at an event surrounded by about 100 friends, family and supporters at a community center in Northeast Denver, where Johnston served the predominantly black community since 2009, before facing term limits this year.

He highlighted how his Senate office was located in the neighborhood, across from the Holly Street Community Center, where the campaign launch took place on Tuesday. Johnston said he wanted constituents to feel like they had a nearby location for outreach efforts.

Watch video of Michael Johnston’s announcement here.

His campaign hired veteran Democratic political strategist Craig Hughes to consult, which offers a sign that Johnston believes he has a path to victory, even in a crowded primary.

Hughes propelled Michael Bennet to a six-year seat in the U.S. Senate in 2010. He also served as a senior adviser to Barack Obama’s Colorado campaign, which resulted in a more than 5 percent victory in the battleground state.

In addition to Hughes, Johnston also hired organizing and finance staff.

The gubernatorial hopeful announced an initiative, the Lifetime Opportunity Promise, which aims at guaranteeing up to two years of debt-free college or career training for every Coloradan, offering Coloradans a chance to change careers as industries and economies quickly evolve.

He also will embark on a tour of the state, including stops in Pueblo, Costilla County, Durango, Grand Junction and Vail.

Johnston spoke of a vision of unity, alluding to the recent national election and proposals by Republican Donald Trump to deport undocumented immigrants and profile Muslims.

He also promised to fight a repeal of the Affordable Care Act and attempts to expand oil and gas activities to the detriment of the environment.

“We will refuse to stand by and allow Coloradans to be divided over their differences,” Johnston said. “That is not our vision, that is not our values and that is not our Colorado.”

Introducing Johnston was state Rep. Rhonda Fields of Aurora, who has been rumored as a possible challenger to Republican incumbent Mike Coffman in the 6th Congressional District.

“When you think about the tone, the topic and the tempo of former Sen. Mike Johnston… he is a champion for civil rights and human rights and women’s rights and everyone’s rights,” Fields said.

Colorado’s race for governor in 2018 is expected to be crowded on both political sides, as there is an open seat that John Hickenlooper will leave behind.

Democrats are eagerly waiting to learn if party stars like former Interior Secretary and U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar and U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter might join the race.

Observers believe that Salazar’s interest in running has waned following the national election, in which Democrat Hillary Clinton lost. Salazar was a top surrogate for Clinton, leading her transition team.

Perlmutter has been quiet about his intentions, though observers believe part of his decision will depend on what Salazar decides.

Democrats could also see much of the divisive 2016 election creep into the primary, with candidates like state Rep. Joe Salazar of Thornton and state Sen. Michael Merrifield of Colorado Springs each considering a run with a Bernie Sanders-oriented base behind them.

Johnston says he is not worried, adding, “There are divides to bridge on all sides. It’s about shared frustration. That’s the fundamental challenge facing whoever is going to be governor of the state.”

Already announced for Democrats in the gubernatorial race is Denver manufacturing entrepreneur and civic leader Noel Ginsburg.

Top names floated in Republican circles include Treasurer Walker Stapleton, Arapahoe County District Attorney George Brauchler and state Sen. Ray Scott of Grand Junction.

Seven candidates have filed paperwork to run for governor in 2018.

Three of the candidates are Democrats, one is a Republican, another is unaffiliated, and the remaining two candidates represent the Green and Unity parties.

During his 20-minute remarks, Johnston kept coming back to the theme of community, which fits his profile as the founder of of the successful Mapleton Expeditionary School, where he served at-risk and high-needs kids. Johnston also led education-reform efforts in the legislature.

He highlighted the 2008 Holly Shopping Center fire, in which the neighborhood was destroyed by gang members committing arson. In the years that have passed, the community has seen a revitalization, partly thanks to community outreach led by Johnston.

He was introduced by Flavio Barragan, a former student, who said Johnston motivated him to succeed, despite the challenges he faced.

“If you’re looking for somebody that will make a difference, will be committed, passionate, motivated, encouraging, who puts others before himself, Mike Johnston is the perfect candidate,” he said.