Leading the impeachment inquiry against President Trump, Democratic Representative Adam Schiff of California announced his candidacy for the US Senate seat currently held by Senator Dianne Feinstein.

In a YouTube video posted Tuesday, Schiff said he was running for the Senate because “we need leaders who will stand up for what’s right, who will fight for our values and who will never stop working to make a better future for our children.”

“I’ve been fighting for these values my entire life,” he said. “I’m running for the United States Senate because I believe we can make a difference.”

Schiff has served in the House of Representatives since 2001 and is the current chair of the House Intelligence Committee. He has been a vocal critic of President Trump and has led the impeachment inquiry against the president.

In his announcement, Schiff said he would continue to fight for progressive values and work to protect California’s environment, economy, and health care.

“I’m running for Senate to fight for the people of California and to protect our values,” he said. “I’m running to ensure our children have the same opportunities I did. I’m running to make sure our health care and education are secure. I’m running to make sure our environment is protected and our economy is strong.”

Schiff is the first Democrat to officially enter the race for the Senate seat. He will face off against Republican candidates in the June 2022 primary election. If elected, he would become the first Democrat to represent California in the Senate in more than 25 years.