Monica Vernon, a Cedar Rapids city councilwoman and the Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor in 2014, announced her candidacy for Iowa’s 1st Congressional District in a statement released Thursday, The Des Moines Register reported.

The 1st District, covering 20 northeast Iowa counties, is currently represented by first-term Republican Rod Blum. It includes the cities of Cedar Rapids, Dubuque and Waterloo and is seen as competitive although typically Democrat-leaning. Vernon previously sought the 1st Congressional District seat in 2014 but was defeated in a five-way Democratic primary. 

She also served as gubernatorial candidate Jack Hatch’s running mate in 2014. Hatch lost to incumbent Gov. Terry Branstad. 

A former journalist and owner of a market research firm, Vernon has touted her business experience and city council leadership following the 2008 flood that devastated Cedar Rapids.