Virginia state Sen. Mark Herring (D-33rd) announced in a statement Tuesday that he plans to run for Attorney General in 2013, saying “it’s time to get politics out of the Attorney General’s office and return its focus to doing what’s right for the people of Virginia."

Herring, who represents parts of Loudoun and Fairfax Counties, said in the statement he's seen current Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli abuse "the powers of his office and [twist] the law to advance his personal political agenda."

"It’s hurt Virginians and damaged our state’s reputation," Herring said in the statement.

Cuccinelli announced his own plans late last year to run for Governor in 2013.

Herring, a principal of the Leesburg law firm Herring & Turner, P.C., has served as state senator since 2006. He is also a former member of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, where he served for four years before his state run.

He said as the only Democrat from Loudoun County in the state's General Assembly, he's already had experience standing up to Cuccinelli and others in Richmond "on the front lines of the legislative fights over their socially divisive agenda," and knows what it takes to win, his statement said.

“What Virginians are looking for is an Attorney General who will restore the people’s trust in the office," Herring said.

Several other candidates across the state have already announced their intentions to run for the office. The Washington Post reported Richmond Commonwealth Attorney Michael Herring (D) has considered a run.

State Del. Rob Bell, state Sen. Mark Obenshain and John Frey, the Fairfax County Clerk of Court, will compete in the Republican primary, according to Virginia's 11th District Republican committee. 

For past coverage of Herring, click here.