WORTHINGTON (AP) — Former state House Democratic leader Matt Entenza says he is running for governor.

Entenza kicked off his campaign at Worthington High School, his alma mater. He says his campaign will focus on three core principles: growing jobs with a focus on a green energy economy, providing better educational opportunities and ensuring health care for all.

Entenza represented St. Paul in the state House for 12 years, the last three as minority leader. Democrats endorsed him to run for attorney general in 2006, but he dropped out after revelations that he paid a research firm to investigate then-Attorney General Mike Hatch, a fellow Democrat.

He now heads the liberal think tank Minnesota 2020. Entenza joins a crowded field of Democrats eyeing the governor’s mansion.