Republican Jorge Martinez is entering the race to challenge U.S. Representative Darren Soto.

After months of mulling it over, Martinez announced on Thursday that he is officially filing to challenge the Democrat who represents Florida’s 9th Congressional District. Martinez said he decided to run to push back against the “socialism and dysfunction caused by liberal leadership in Congress.”

“With Joe Biden and Darren Soto in charge, we’ve gotten nothing but higher taxes, higher gas prices, higher food prices, empty shelves, and weak American leadership abroad,” said Martinez. “I pledge to represent our district with a commitment to lower taxes, spending and stop federal overreach, and restore an America First doctrine to the federal government.”

Martinez has worked in public accounting for over 30 years, devoting most of his time to tax and general accounting services, with an emphasis on business consulting. Martinez noted the bulk of his experience involves helping clients develop business growth, expansion and profit maximization strategies, as well as assisting corporate leaders to recognize business opportunities and utilize those opportunities to grow and expand their businesses.

Despite being considered a political outsider, Martinez is no stranger to the political arena. He has been a staunch advocate for several GOP leaders, working alongside Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio, as well as Governor Ron DeSantis, according to a press release. He has also served in various capacities across several groups, including the National Center for Simulation, Florida Independent Dealers Association, National Independent Dealers Association, Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission and Give Kids the World Foundation.

“I look forward to working with our fellow Republican Congressmen to grow our economy with a doctrine of less government and more freedom,” Martinez added.

Martinez joins other Republican candidates — Jose Castillo, Bill Olson, Sergio Ortiz, and George Shepherd III — in vying to flip the blue district in 2022.

Soto has represented CD 9, which includes Osceola County and parts of Orange and Polk County, since 2016.