John Lewis, a former staffer to retiring Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., is moving closer to a run for Congress.

Lewis filed a statement of organization with the Federal Election Commission on Aug. 22.

“He’s going to announce a campaign for the House seat,” a national Democratic operative said. “I would expect a formal launch in the next couple of weeks.”

CQ Roll Call reported in July that Lewis met with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

“John is moving forward because we need more bridge-builders in Congress,” Lewis spokesman Aaron Murphy said in a written statement. “Montanans are asking John to be a candidate because we need more independent-minded public servants committed to good-paying jobs and working together to find solutions — like looking after our families and neighbors, and living within our means.”

If Lewis follows through, it is uncertain who his opponent will be. An open-seat race could be in the cards. The seat’s current occupant, Republican Rep. Steve Daines, is currently mulling a run for Senate to replace Lewis’ old boss.

For now, the race is rated Safe Republican by Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call.

Kyle Trygstad contributed to this report.