Massachusetts Rep. Carl Sciortino (D) of Medford announced Friday he is a candidate for the state's 5th U.S. Congressional District.

Malden's Edward Markey (D) has held the seat since first being elected in 1976 but he's now running to replace U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in the U.S. Senate.

“I am running to continue the strong progressive leadership that the families of the Fifth District have always counted on,” said Sciortino in a statement Friday. “I look forward to bringing my record of accomplishment to Washington to fight for our progressive values.”

Sciortino has served in the legislature since 2004 after being elected at the age of 25. He is one of seven openly-gay legislators in the Commonwealth and was described as "the leading voice for LGBT rights on Beacon Hill, championing the fight for marriage equality and co-authoring the 2011 Transgender Equal Rights Bill" in the statement Friday.

He's also launched a new campaign website, www.carlforcongress.com.

The statement described Markey as "the frontrunner" to replace Kerry, although he'll be challenged in the Senate special election Democratic primary by at least one other entrant: Congressman Stephen Lynch of South Boston.

“I am proud to call Ed Markey my Congressman and I am dedicated to helping elect him as our next U.S. Senator,” Sciortino in the statement. “His record on behalf of Massachusetts families – fighting for jobs, consumers’ rights, and a healthier environment— is the kind of leadership Massachusetts needs in the Senate and it is a record I look forward to continuing in Congress.”

Sciortino is a graduate of Tufts University and resides in Medford with his fiance. His district, the 34th Middlesex district, covers parts of Medford and Somerville.