TALLAHASSEE (AP) — Tallahassee attorney Mark Schlakman is the latest Democrat to jump into the 2nd District Congressional race and a shot at first-term Republican incumbent Steve Southerland.

Schlakman joins a crowded field that includes former state legislator Al Lawson of Tallahassee, state Rep. Leonard Bembry of Greenville and former Bay County Democratic Party Chairman Alvin Peters.

The 52-year-old Schlakman said he wants to bring a bipartisan spirit to politics and Washington, D.C. He was introduced Thursday as a candidate by former state comptroller and retired Marine Gen. Bob Milligan — a Republican.

Schlakman serves as senior program director of the Florida State University Center for the Advancement of Human Rights and has worked in Washington and Tallahassee for Democratic and Republican administrations.