Retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Irv Halter announced on Wednesday that he will challenge Republican Rep. Doug Lamborn in Colorado’s 5th District, according to a release from Halter’s campaign.

Halter, a Democrat, told supporters at a Wednesday campaign announcement in Colorado Springs that he is running because he feels there is a “crisis of confidence in political leaders and especially the United States Congress.”

“After long and prayerful consideration, I have concluded that I can no longer stand on the sidelines and ignore this crisis — because we can do better,” Halter said at the event. “In fact, for the sake of future generations, we must do better. And that’s why today I’m proud to announce my candidacy for the Congress of the United States of America.”

The 5th District is a strong Republican seat. GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney carried the district in 2012 with 59 percent. But Lamborn posted paltry second-quarter fundraising.

Colorado’s 5th District is rated a Safe Republican seat by Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call.