State Sen. Donna Mercado Kim has announced today that she is running for the 1st Congressional District seat being vacated by Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa, who is running for governor.

“These are challenging times for our nation and state. The people of our district need a congresswoman who will stand up to powerful entrenched interests and always protect Hawaii. Throughout my life, I have advocated for my constituents and continue to make a positive impact for our families, our keiki, and our kupuna.”

“If given the privilege to serve in Washington, I shall collaboratively work across the aisle to protect Social Security and Medicare benefits, improve our public schools, keep college education affordable, and continue to advocate for women’s rights,” said Kim in a news release.

Kim previously ran for the congressional seat that covers urban Honolulu in 2014. The late U.S. Rep. Mark Takai won the election to the U.S. House seat vacated by Hanabusa who ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate.

Takai decided not to seek re-election after he learned his pancreatic cancer had spread. He died in July 2016.

Hanabusa returned to the U.S. House district seat after she won a special election.

Kim is chairwoman of the state Senate Government Operations Committee and vice chairwoman of the Higher Education Committee. She also previously served as state Senate president.

With more than 30 years in public service, Kim also has served in the Honolulu City Council and state House of Representatives.