ALBANY, N.Y. -- Darius Shahinfar is throwing his hat into the ring for the 21st Congressional District seat being vacated by Mike McNulty.

Shahinfar made the official announcement in Albany, kicking off what he calls his campaign for change. He said his experience as an aide for Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand makes him the best person for the job.

Shahinfar said there needs to be new leadership in Washington that can really focus on the needs of New York and America's Promise.

"With the past seven years of the Bush Administration, I think many people have lost a sense of that freedom, lose a sense of the opportunity and of hope, and that's what we need to bring back because that's what unites us as a nation," said Shahinfar.

Shahinfar spoke fondly of Congressman Mike McNulty, saying he will be missed, but Shahinfar said he's ready for the job. McNulty is retiring after 20 years in office.