Democratic Rep. Stephen Lynch announced he would be running for the Senate seat left open by John Kerry, by releasing a video on YouTube.

"Stephen Lynch for Senate: He'll go to Washington to stand up, not fit in," the video declares.

The campaign video tells of Lynch’s working class background of being an ironworker for 18–years before going back to law school. Lynch is the the son of Francis Lynch, an ironworker, and Anne Lynch, a postal clerk and was raised in the public housing projects of South Boston.

On Thursday afternoon, Lynch told reporters at O’Brien’s Corner, a Springfield restaurant, that his blue collar roots mean he is the right choice for Washington.

“There’s a disconnect in the United States Senate. It’s a private club. I could close the gap between what’s happening on Main Street in Springfield and what’s happening in Washington,” Lynch said, according to Boston.com.

Congressman Lynch sat down with patrons in the Springfield eatery, “I want to tell the people of Springfield that when I go to the United States Senate, they will be going to the US Senate,” he told customers.

During the campaign event Lynch was asked about his anti-abortion stance.

“That’s just a bumper sticker,” he told reporters. “In reality, my record is very common sense and very practical. ... I never said repealing Roe v. Wade is a solution to anything. ... I have advocated for funding for Planned Parenthood.”

The Irish American later made an official announcement at the Iron Workers Local 7 union hall in South Boston.

Lynch will go up against Rep. Edward Markey in the Democratic primary. Republican Senator Scott Brown, is also expected to run for the seat to replace Secretary of State John Kerry.