WASHINGTON - Long-time Valley congressman Tim Ryan made his intention to run for U.S. Senate official on Monday.

In a tweet, Democrat Ryan wrote "Proud dad and husband, Ohio native, die-hard Browns fan. Running for U.S. Senate to fight like hell to cut workers in on the deal."

The tweet also included a link to a fundraising page calling on donations from 20,000 grassroots campaign supporters.

The race began after Republican U.S. Senator Rob Portman announced he would not be seeking reelection.

Former Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton revealed earlier this month she would not be seeking the Democratic nomination to run for Senate. 

Ryan held a news conference in front of the Trumbull County Courthouse to make the announcement.