CHARLOTTESVILLE — Former 5th District Congressman Tom Perriello has announced his bid for governor of Virginia.

The Democrat’s announcement came last week in an email and video message to supporters.

Perriello represented the 5th Congressional District for two years after he defeated longtime U.S. Rep. Virgil Goode, a Republican, in 2008.

Perriello was defeated by former U.S. Rep. Robert Hurt, a Republican, in 2010.

“This election is not just about the next four years — but the next generation,” the Democrat said in an email to supporters. “The next governor can block the radical redistricting that has held back our promise and progress. If we hand the system back to the people, together, we can demand better wages, more time with family, paid family leave and more affordable housing and higher education.”

Ralph Northam, the lieutenant governor of Virginia, is also seeking the Democratic nod to run as the party’s candidate.

The election is in November.