Standing with family, friends and supporters at a Natural Grocers in Golden on Sunday, U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter announced a campaign to become the next governor of Colorado.

“Elections are always about the future, and you and I have the ability to shape that future,” said Perlmutter, standing before a lively crowd of about 400 in a parking lot nestled between the mountains of Golden.

“I have a lot of ideas, but I certainly don’t have all the answers,” Perlmutter continued. “That’s why I will continue to listen to and work with people all across Colorado to ensure our state continues to be the envy of the nation.”

His emergence shakes up an early Democratic primary, as Perlmutter comes to the race with the greatest name recognition and a powerful fundraising army behind him.

HIs candidacy also means an open seat in a competitive 7th Congressional District, which includes portions of Adams and Jefferson counties. The congressman plans on holding onto his seat while campaigning for governor.

“I want to make sure that everyone has a fair shot, and the freedom to live the life they want, and I believe the best place for me to address these challenges is right here at home right now,” Perlmutter said to cheers.

He said he will focus on the economy, transportation infrastructure, schools and the environment as he takes his campaign across the state.

It is appropriate that Perlmutter announced outside a grocery store, keeping in line with his “government at the grocery store” theme, in which the congressman meets with constituents at local supermarkets.

A native of Colorado – spending his entire life in Jefferson County and now living in Arvada – the 64-year-old six-term congressman started signaling that he would run for governor after former Interior Secretary and U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar decided not to pursue the state’s executive office. Salazar was believed to be the Democratic Party’s standard-bearer in the race if he wanted it.

With Salazar out of the way, Perlmutter has a better path to the governor’s office. But the primary will be tough, and candidates will also have to likely compete for unaffiliated voters. It’s unlikely that Perlmutter will clear the primary field. While he has excellent name recognition in the Denver area, he may struggle in rural Colorado.

“Perlmutter is very, very well known in one-seventh of the state … but Fort Collins, or Pueblo, or Grand Junction, he’s not a heck of a lot more well known there,” said political analyst Eric Sondermann.

Already announced in the race on the Democratic side is former state Sen. Mike Johnston of Denver. Johnston just had a record-breaking fundraising period, with at least $625,000 for the first quarter of 2017.

Former state Treasurer Cary Kennedy is expected to announce a run for governor on Monday, further adding to a Democratic field.

“The early supposition is that Perlmutter will become the establishment candidate and Cary Kennedy and Mike Johnston will duke it out for the younger generational candidates,” Sondermann said.

Democrat Noel Ginsburg, a Denver manufacturing entrepreneur and civic leader, has already declared his candidacy in the 2018 gubernatorial race, along with Johnston.

And U.S. Rep. Jared Polis of Boulder is also considering a run for governor. Polis would also rattle the primary, as he has name recognition and wealth behind him.

A total of five Democrats have filed paperwork.

Perlmutter, a native son

Perlmutter, however, has a compelling Colorado story. His grandfather and father ran a local concrete business for decades where he assisted as a laborer during the summers in college and law school. He went on to practice business law with a local firm for 25 years.

He has three daughters who attended Jefferson County public schools. His wife, Nancy, is a retired public school teacher.

Perlmutter’s life in politics began in 1994 when he was elected to the state Senate. Since then, he has watched and led as the state blossomed.

Those who know him best say Perlmutter is uniquely able to cut across the partisan divide by “sincerely listening and recognizing the valid points made from opposing viewpoints and then acting with conviction.”

“I’ve seen Ed act with conviction when stakes are high and I’ve seen him work to find compromises where possible,” said state Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “I’ve seen him win the devotion of his base and earn the respect of his adversaries.”

Perlmutter indeed has a knack for politics and the campaign trail. His trademark cartwheels have become a staple, as he is known to launch into a circular sideways handspring with his arms and legs following. He performs the acrobatics always with a smile on his face.

His soft approach to politics allows him to listen to constituents and interact directly with them. At a recent 7th Congressional District meeting, Perlmutter offered an emotional speech, thanking friends and supporters for having backed him over the past decade. He said he will need them for the statewide campaign.

“Ed’s serious about achieving his goals and works harder than any politician I’ve ever met,” Rep. Kennedy continued. “Many of us have seen his signature cartwheels, but only a few of us have had the pleasure of seeing him get lost reminiscing.”

The congressman keeps a “wall of vols,” which consists of photos of every volunteer who helped him on the campaign trail and with his congressional work.

Republicans face a primary of their own 

The Democrat who emerges from the primary next year will need to take on a Republican during a tumultuous time in American politics. The election will occur during the mid-terms and it will largely reflect a referendum on President Trump’s first two years in office.

Republicans are facing a crowded primary of their own. District Attorney George Brauchler, who served as the lead prosecutor in the case against Aurora theater shooter James Holmes, recently announced his candidacy, becoming the first high-profile Republican in the race.

Also expected to announce a run for governor on the Republican ticket is state Treasurer Walker Stapleton. DaVita Healthcare Partners chief executive Kent Thiry is also said to be considering a run for governor on the Republican ticket, as is former U.S. Senate candidate and Colorado State University athletic director Jack Graham.

Former Republican state Rep. Victor Mitchell has already launched a campaign. A total of four Republicans have so far filed paperwork to run.

Fifteen candidates have filed to run in the 2018 gubernatorial race. In addition to the major party candidates, there is one Green Party candidate, one American Constitution Party candidate, a Unity Party candidate and three unaffiliated candidates.

“I love this state,” Perlmutter said. “I want to continue to lead the fight for freedom, equality and opportunity.”