Matt Miller, a former aide to President Bill Clinton and current Washington Post columnist , announced a bid for the seat of retiring Rep. Henry A. Waxman on Friday.  

With his announcement, Miller becomes the third Democrat to announce a bid for the district, located in the heart of Los Angeles County.  

“I’m a proud Democrat; but too often, politicians in both parties care more about winning elections than solving problems. We have to tackle huge challenges – from the runaway costs of college and health care, to the threats of climate change, the shortage of good jobs and internationally lagging schools,” Miller said in a release. “Getting serious about these challenges means embracing bold ideas – the kind of fresh thinking we aren’t likely to get from career politicians. I’m running for Congress because it’s time to expect more.”  

Miller joins state Sen. Ted Lieu and former Los Angeles Controller Wendy Greuel in a competitive primary. Both Lieu and Greuel launched bids just hours after Waxman announced his retirement , and have racked up a number of endorsements from prominent area Democrats .  

Elan S. Carr, a veteran, Los Angeles County deputy district attorney and the head of the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity , is the only Republican in the race .  

Documentary filmmaker Brent Roske and author Marianne Williamson, both independents, announced their bids before Waxman’s retirement announcement.  

Candidates have until March 7 to file federal paperwork for a bid. A top-two primary — in which the candidates who receive the most votes, regardless of party, advance to the general — will be held June 3.  

California’s 33rd District is rated a Safe Democrat  contest by Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call. President Barack Obama carried the area with 61 percent in 2012.