<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNFWhxuovkM&feature=youtu.be">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNFWhxuovkM&feature=youtu.be</a>

State Sen. Andy Kerr, a Lakewood Democrat, formally announced his campaign on Wednesday to replace U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter.

Kerr’s campaign was set into motion Sunday after Perlmutter said he would run for governor.

Perlmutter will hold his seat in the 7th Congressional District while he runs for governor. The seat will come open next year, kicking off a contentious primary for both Republicans and Democrats. The district includes Adams and Jefferson counties.

In a launch video, Kerr said he plans to “take leadership to Washington, the Colorado way.”

“Colorado has taught me what it means to be a leader,” Kerr said in the more than three-minute video. “I’ve learned that good leaders are known for what they do, not for what they say. That’s leadership, the Colorado way.”

The video features images of scenic Colorado views, Kerr with his family, teaching a group of students in a classroom, holding a town hall in a brewery, snowboarding, and, of course, Kerr riding his bike, something that has become a staple of his image.

“I’ve learned that sometimes we have to slow things down to make sure we’re all on the right track,” Kerr said. “I’ve learned that leaders should be driven by their values above all else. Leadership isn’t about ego, it’s about making a difference.

“When I arrive to work each morning, I climb up the Capitol stairs and I’m reminded of every lesson I’ve learned along the way,” Kerr continues in the video. “I’m reminded that even though I’ve peered off Colorado’s most spectacular peeks, the climb is the most rewarding part of the journey. And so is my climb up those stairs. I make that climb for Colorado and for all of us who call this special place home.”

Kerr will hold a formal campaign kickoff Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. at  Dunstan Middle School in Lakewood. He also on Wednesday launched his official campaign website.

Also announced in the Democratic race is state Rep. Brittany Pettersen, also from Lakewood. Pettersen, like Kerr, made her intentions known shortly after Perlmutter announced his run for governor.

Other Democrats also are considering a run, including state Rep. Tracy Kraft-Tharp of Arvada and state Sen. Dominick Moreno of Commerce City.

On the Republican side, small businessman Don Ytterberg, who unsuccessfully challenged Perlmutter in 2014, is interested in pursuing the seat again. Ytterberg served as vice chair of the state Republican Party and chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party.

Jefferson County Commissioner Libby Szabo is also rumored to be considering a run. Szabo previously served in the state legislature as the assistant minority leader in the House. She was serving her third term when she was chosen by her party to fill a vacant seat.

Former U.S. Senate candidate Jerry Natividad, who failed to make the primary ballot at last year’s Republican state convention, is also rumored to be considering a run. Natividad is a somewhat well-known Hispanic businessman in Republican circles.