Former Md. Gov. O'Malley jumps into 2016 Democratic race

Martin O'Malley
Former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley met with Baltimore residents on April 28, 2015, after protests spread through the city following the death of Freddie Gray. On Saturday, in a Baltimore park, O'Malley announced he would seek the Democratic nomination for president.
Matt Rourke | AP

Former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley has jumped into the race for the Democratic nomination for president.

It'll be a longshot challenge to front-runner Hillary Rodham Clinton. But O'Malley is calling for new leadership.

O'Malley made the announcement Saturday in a Baltimore park, telling a crowd of about 1,000 people, "I'm running for you."

He was the mayor of Baltimore before winning two terms as governor.

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He's presenting himself to voters as a next generation leader for the party.

O'Malley points to his record on issues such as gay marriage, immigration and economic issues.

He's made frequent visits to the early-voting states of Iowa and New Hampshire. But he's still largely unknown in a field dominated by Clinton.

Also in the race is Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders.

O'Malley is holding events in Iowa later Saturday and plans to be in New Hampshire on Sunday.