Former Nogales Mayor Marco Lopez became Arizona’s first formal candidate for governor in 2022, announcing his plans Tuesday.

Lopez, 42, a small business owner, served in the Obama administration and won the mayoral election in the border town when he was 22.

“I’m running for governor because I believe in the promise of Arizona—that Arizona is a place where anything is possible and every family has the chance to succeed, no matter who you are or where you come from,” the Democrat said in the press release announcing his candidacy.

Lopez grew up in Nogales and graduated from the University of Arizona.

After his stint as mayor, Lopez moved up to the state level, earning an appointment as director of the Department of Commerce. Under President Barack Obama, Lopez worked as chief of staff over Customs and Border Protection beginning in 2009.

Lopez founded Intermestic Partners in 2011, an international business development and advisory company.

Republican Gov. Doug Ducey finishes his second term in January 2023.