Washington (CNN) Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, the widow of the late Democratic Rep. Elijah Cummings, said she's running for her late husband's former seat representing the Baltimore area in Congress to build on his legacy.

"He was fighting and he worked hard. And he was in the community and never did he ever say that he was tired and he couldn't do it. He kept forging forward, literally until almost his last breath. So I'm now running to build on his legacy in Congress," Rockeymoore Cummings told CNN's Alisyn Camerota on "New Day" Tuesday.

Rockeymoore Cummings said she's focused on "defending and protecting our democracy, fighting for human rights and equal rights, but also making sure that there are increased opportunities for, especially for our young people."

"I have a hope agenda for the Baltimore region that's focused on healthy and safe communities, more opportunities for youth, prosperous families, and economic justice and equitable development," she said.

Rockeymoore Cummings announced in November that she will run in the special election for Maryland's 7th congressional district. The primary election will be on February 4 and then the general elction will take place on April 28. She was previously the chairwoman of the Maryland Democratic Party and stepped down after announcing her congressional bid.

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