KALAMAZOO, MI -- Former state Rep. Sean McCann announced his candidacy for Michigan's 20th Senate District in 2018.

McCann announced he will seek a re-match against incumbent Republican Margaret O'Brien in a news release Thursday, Nov. 2. The longtime Kalamazoo Democrat served two terms in the Michigan House of Representatives, holding the 60th District seat from 2010-14, but lost to O'Brien in a close senate race in 2014.

"Michigan needs real change and strong leadership - our great state should be doing much better than it is right now and we need to shake up the status quo Lansing," McCann said in the release. "I will champion greater investment in our public schools and higher education institutions, work tirelessly to build an economy that strengthens the middle class and leaves no one behind, and defend and improve health care for all citizens."

McCann filed to run with the Secretary of State on Oct. 20.

McCann and O'Brien, Portage, both gave up their House seats to square off for the Senate seat representing Kalamazoo County. The race came down to just 59 votes, which was widened to 61 after a recount in which more than 81,000 were cast.

After unsuccessfully running against O'Brien in 2014, McCann was appointed to executive director of Kalamazoo Friends of Recreation. He will transition out of the role to focus on his campaign.

According to the release, McCann plans to advance reforms that will give the everyday citizen a stronger voice in the democratic process like abolishing gerrymandering and "dark money" in politics.

"We have an opportunity to change the future of Michigan and move it in a new direction, a better direction for everyone, and that's exactly what I will help do in the state Senate," says McCann.

In a video announcing his campaign, McCann said the legislature needs to address challenges like a lack of investment in education, infrastructure and job training.

McCann served on the Kalamazoo City Commission for 10 years until 2009. The Western Michigan Graduate also held leadership positions at the American Red Cross of Southwest Michigan and the Vine Neighborhood Association.

He lives in Kalamazoo with his wife, Priscilla Lambert, and two young children, Alex and Lauren. McCann has been a Kalamazoo resident for 28 years.

The 20th state Senate District includes all of Kalamazoo County.