GOLDEN, Colo. – Congressman Ed Perlmutter is joining the race for Colorado’s gubernatorial seat in 2018.

Rep. Perlmutter, a Democrat representing Colorado’s 7th Congressional District, made the announcement Sunday afternoon at a Natural Grocers in Golden.

Perlmutter just announced he is running for CO Gov. @DenverChannel pic.twitter.com/faIXGzDe2R — Sally (@sallymamdooh) April 9, 2017

"We've begun to see part of Colorado's way of life and economy threatened by the Trump administration when it comes to the environment, public lands, immigration, health care and our national labs," Perlmutter told a crowd of people Sunday afternoon. "Some of the most important issues of our time are deadlocked in DC right now. That's why continuing strong leadership at the state level is more important than ever."

Perlmutter’s name has long been floated as a possible Democratic candidate in the race, with at least four others already putting their names in the hat.

Noel Ginsburg, a businessman, and former state lawmaker Mike Johnston have already announced their candidacies on the Democratic side.

18th Judicial District Attorney George Brauchler announced his candidacy on the Republican side Tuesday afternoon. He will face off against former state lawmaker Victor Mitchell and Loveland’s JoAnne Silva, a former banker from San Francisco who has lived in Loveland since 2003.

Late Sunday morning, former Colorado State Treasurer and Denver CFO Carey Kennedy also announced she will run for governor in 2018, adding she will make the announcement via Facebook Live on Monday, April 10.

More people are expected to file to run in coming months.

Perlmutter has lived in Jefferson County his entire life and is a graduate of Jefferson High School and the University of Colorado.

He worked as a private business lawyer for years before being elected to the state senate in 1994, where he served two terms.

Voters elected Perlmutter to represent the 7th Congressional District in 2006, a seat he has held ever since. He also served as a superdelegate during last year's election.

Sunday’s announcement will be made at 1 p.m. at the Golden Natural Grocers, located at 2401 Ford Street.

Colorado’s 7th Congressional District covers Denver’s western and northern suburbs, including parts of Lakewood, Golden, Wheat Ridge, Arvada, Thornton, Commerce City and the area surrounding the northern and western sides of the Denver International Airport.