Rep. Michael H. Michaud, D-Maine, announced Thursday that he is officially exploring a run for governor.

“During the last few months, I’ve been deeply honored by the countless Mainers across the state — Democrats, Republicans and independents alike — who have asked me to consider a run for governor,” Michaud said in a video on his campaign website. “I’ve listened and I heard their frustrations and concerns about the lack of real leadership in our state.”

The incumbent governor is Republican Paul R. LePage, who won a three-way race in 2010.

Now in his sixth term in Congress, Michaud represents the 2nd District, which includes the vast majority of the state’s land area. He’s been re-elected easily since first winning in 2002, including a 16-point victory in 2012.

But with Michaud’s exit from the House, the race for the 2nd District could become competitive. President Barack Obama won it with just 53 percent of the vote last year, and Republicans have indicated an interest in targeting the seat in previous cycles.