One of just two Democrats holding statewide office intends to announce that he’s running for the Senate, reports the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond “spent the weekend on the phone with the essential stage hands of the state Democratic party, explaining the gamble he’s about to take,” the newspaper reported Monday.

Thurmond’s entry into the Senate race would put an experienced candidate into the mix against Sen. Johnny Isakson (R).

The newspaper had previously reported that Democrats in Washington, D.C., courted Thurmond more aggressively after the Senator’s recent hospitalizations.

Thurmond would face software developer RJ Hadley in the July 20 primary.