State Rep. Raj Goyle announced Tuesday he will run for Rep. Todd Tiahrt’s (R) seat, making him the first viable Democratic candidate in the race.

“I am running because too many Kansas families and businesses are struggling right now. We need strong, independent leadership to tackle these challenges,— Goyle said in a statement.

State Sen. Dick Kelsey and Republican National Committeeman Mike Pompeo have already announced their respective campaigns for the Republican nomination in the open-seat race, although a couple more potential candidates have expressed interest in running.

Tiahrt, who is running for Senate, has won re-election by large margins against little-known opponents in recent cycles, and any Democrat will have an uphill battle in the Republican-leaning Wichita-based district.