— St. Louis County Assessor Jake Zimmerman announced Tuesday morning announced his candidacy for Missouri attorney general, forming a primary election against state Sen. Scott Sifton, a fellow Democrat.

In a statement announcing his run, Zimmerman, a Harvard Law School graduate, said his past experience as a prosecutor and state lawmaker would guide him as the state’s top lawyer.

“Everyone has a right to fairness, regardless of whether you’re a millionaire or a single mom who is just trying to make ends meet,” he said. “Whether it’s prosecuting corporations that are cheating their customers, or cracking down on casinos and developers who are trying to avoid paying their fair share of taxes, I’ve dedicated my career to fighting to make sure people are treated equally under the law. It’s a fight I want to continue as Missouri’s Attorney General.”

Zimmerman was also critical of Missouri’s lax ethics and finance laws.

“The culture of corruption in Jefferson City has gone on for too long,” he said. “We must fight for one fair set of rules for everyone. And if someone tries to exploit their position of power to game the system, they must be held accountable.”

Sifton, also of St. Louis, touted his experience as a lawyer in response to Zimmerman’s announcement.

“Missourians want an Attorney General with experience trying tough cases. My extensive trial and appellate experience is an important difference in this race,” Sifton said. “As a state senator, and during my tenure working on special prosecutions in the Attorney General’s office, I have worked to make Missouri safer for every family, consumer, community and business. I have the experience Missourians want in an Attorney General.”

State Sen. Kurt Schaefer is the only Republican who has announced a candidacy for his party’s nomination.