With just seven months until Louisiana’s election for governor, Shawn Wilson officially entered the gubernatorial race Monday, becoming the first prominent Democrat to seek the seat later this year.

The former head of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, who appears to be the only high–profile Democrat that will run for the state’s top government post in October, announced his candidacy on social media and released an official campaign video Monday morning.

“Louisiana needs a governor who will build bridges, not burn them,” Wilson, 53, said in his video. “I’m Shawn Wilson, that’s the kind of leader that I’ve been and that is exactly the kind of governor that I promise to be.”

Wilson served as the Department of Transportation and Development secretary for seven years after being appointed by current Gov. John Bel Edwards. He retired from the position last week in preparation for his candidacy. During Wilson’s tenure the state invested nearly $5.5 billion in infrastructure projects, consisting of more than 7,000 miles of improvements. In 2020, he was elected as the first Black president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.