Rep Edwards launches Senate bid

Rep Donna Edwards (D-MD) announced her candidacy for the US Senate in a video message she sent to supporters. Rep Edwards, an unapologetic liberal activist in the House, is vying to replace longtime Sen Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), who announced that she would retire in 2016.

Rep Edwards will face fierce competition for the Democratic nomination from Rep Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), who launched his campaign and has the support of Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV). Other Maryland Democrats are contemplating the race as well, along with several Republicans. If elected in November, Rep Edwards would become the fifth African American and the first black Marylander to be elected to the Senate.