Koutoujian Announces Campaign For Congress

Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian, a former state representative from Waltham, announced on Monday his intention to run for the congressional seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Edward Markey, who last week was elected to the U.S. Senate.

In a video announcement released by his campaign Monday morning, Koutoujian highlights his work as a prosecutor, in the Legislature and most recently as sheriff of the state's largest county "fighting for health care, financial services, victim's rights and public safety."

He also mentions his parents roots as immigrants from Armenia and Ireland.

“We are facing major challenges in Washington: on immigration, on health care, on women’s rights and the environment. And we need a strong, progressive leader who will stand up for us on those and other issues,” Koutoujian says in the video. “And we need to know that the next representative hears the voices and sees the faces of those that they represent — and most importantly — can get things done to make their lives better. I have dedicated my life to doing just that and I am ready to bring those progressive values and a lot of hard work to Washington."

Koutoujian joins a field that includes Sens. Katherine Clark (D-Melrose), Karen Spilka (D-Ashland), William Brownsberger (D-Belmont) and Rep. Carl Sciortino (D-Medford).

Sciortino held a formal campaign kick on the steps of the State House last Wednesday, and Spilka plans a formal announcement in Framingham Monday evening.

Appointed sheriff in 2011 by Gov. Deval Patrick, Koutoujian was elected to a full six-year term last November.

Because their will be a special election later this year to fill Markey's seat in the U.S. House, none of the candidates in the race is risking their current positions by running.