HILO, Hawaii (AP) — A Hawaii state senator plans to run for the U.S. House seat held by Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.

Democrat Kai Kahele announced his plans Monday. Kahele, a Native Hawaiian, is the Hawaii Senate’s majority floor leader and a major in the Hawaii Air National Guard.

He was appointed in 2016 to the seat held by his father, the late Gil Kahele, who died while in office. Kai Kahele later was elected to the seat. He represents Hilo, a small city on the mostly rural Big Island of Hawaii.

Kahele said he wanted to carry on the dream of his father, to build a better Hawaii for all.

Gabbard has said she intends to seek the Democratic nomination for president. She hasn’t said if she’ll give up her seat in running.