Former Democratic Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich is running for Congress as an independent, vying for his old congressional seat in suburban Cleveland.  

Kucinich said in his campaign launch remarks Wednesday that he’s running as an independent “because I’m uniquely able to reach in and to help heal the partisan divide, to bring people together.” He filed to run earlier this month.

“No label. Just Dennis J. Kucinich. I have a bond of trust with the voters which goes far beyond party labels,” the former lawmaker said, touting his record in Congress and as a former Cleveland mayor.

Kucinich served as Cleveland mayor in the late 1970s, and then in Congress from 1997-2012, but lost a primary to Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) after redistricting in the state.  

He was also appointed last year as campaign manager for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s 2024 presidential bid. Kennedy kicked off his White House bid as a Democratic challenger to Biden, but later decided to switch to an independent run.

Kucinich, himself a two-time presidential contender, left the Kennedy campaign in October after the party swap.

“In a closely divided Congress, as an independent, my voice and vote will become pivotal. The 7th District of Ohio will become one of the most important districts,” he said in his launch. 

Kucinich is vying for the seat held by Republican Rep. Max Miller.