State Sen. and former gubernatorial candidate John Marty is making another run for Minnesota’s governor’s mansion, he confirmed on Monday. The Democrat — who lost in 1994 general election for governor — launched his official campaign in front of supporters at a rally in St. Paul, saying his decision “grows from my great love for our great state.”

Marty, a 22-year veteran of the Minnesota Senate, promised “ethical, long-term far-sighted leadership,” and said he would bring his legislative commitments to universal health care, stronger ethics regulations and social justice to the executive branch.

He is one of what is likely to be a growing field of Democrats jockeying for the post. Six other Democrats have also opened exploratory fundraising committees, including former U.S. Sen.Mark Dayton, state Sen. Tom Bakk, former state Sen. Steve Kelley, state Rep. Paul Thissen, former state Rep. Matt Entenza, and Ramsey County Attorney General Susan Gaertner.