Former Microsoft manager Darcy Burner announced today she is running for Congress again, this time in Washington’s open 1st district where she’ll join a crowded Democratic primary field.

“I will run the kind of vigorous, positive, grassroots campaign that the voters of the 1st Congressional District want and deserve,” Burner said in a statement.

Burner, well-connected among the liberal net roots, twice challenged Rep. Dave Reichert (R) in Seattle’s eastern suburbs in the 8th district, losing by 2 points in 2006 and 6 points in 2008 — both strong Democratic cycles.

As currently drawn, the 1st district, which Rep. Jay Inslee (D) is vacating to run for governor, is significantly more Democratic than the 8th. The state’s bipartisan redistricting commission has until the end of the year to agree on a new map, but the 1st is likely to retain its Democratic tilt.

“Should be an exciting Wednesday as I jump back in to swim with the sharks,” Burner wrote earlier today on Twitter. “But redistricting makes the pool friendlier this time!”

The Harvard graduate has worked for the past two years at ProgressiveCongress.org, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that connects the progressive movement with Congress.

In her rollout, Burner also announced that an internal poll conducted by reputable Democratic polling firm Lake Research Partners found her taking 47 percent in the primary, easily outpacing her next closest opponent.

Other likely Democratic candidates for the open seat include state Rep. Roger Goodman, state Sen. Steve Hobbs, state Rep. Marko Liias, former state Rep. Laura Ruderman and businessman and activist Darshan Rauniyar.