Former state Sen. Mark Fernald, a lawyer, added his name this week to the growing list of Democratic candidates vying to succeed Rep. Paul W. Hodes in New Hampshire’s 2nd District.

Fernald, the unsuccessful Democratic nominee for governor in 2002, announced Tuesday his intention to run for Congress. He stressed his distaste for the hold he believes campaign donors, lobbyists and special interests have on elected officials and conceded he likely won’t be the top fundraiser in the coming campaign.

“I don’t have personal wealth that I can invest in this campaign. I don’t have a lot of rich friends who are lining up to bankroll me. I have you,” Fernald said, according to his prepared remarks.