Dennis Kucinich is running for Ohio governor against 6 other Democrats

Former Cleveland mayor and U.S. member of Congress Dennis Kucinich is running for Ohio governor, joining an already crowded field in the Democratic primary.

Kucinich filed paperwork with the Ohio Secretary of State on Monday to declare his candidacy and name a campaign treasurer.

Kucinich, 71, launched his political career nearly 50 years ago when he served on the Cleveland City Council and later captured the mayor’s office in 1977. He served eight terms in Congress and twice ran for his party’s nomination for president.

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Kucinich joins Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley, former U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton of the Akron area, state Sen. Joe Schiavoni of Boardman, Ohio Supreme Court Justice Bill O’Neill, former state Rep. Connie Pillich of Cincinnati and former Attorney General Richard Cordray in the Democratic primary.

Candidates must pick their running mates and file petitions signed by 1,000 Ohio voters by Feb. 7.

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