Groton ― Representative Town Meeting member Andrew Parrella announced he is seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge Sen. Heather Somers, R-Groton, for the 18th District Senate seat in November.

He said he plans to seek the Democratic endorsement at the May Democratic convention.

In a news release, Parrella cited that he “brings a long history of superior experience to the table at a time when the state needs new ideas and a focus on solutions to issues ranging from the state keeping its budget balanced while addressing housing issues that are competing for open space, economic development and the necessary and balanced decision-making that will affect the towns and state for decades to come.”

Parrella, who is on the RTM’s Education Committee, is a former city councilor and has served on the city’s Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission. He also has served as the vice chairperson, treasurer and secretary of the Groton City Democratic Committee, and recently has been an alternate on the Beautification Committee, according to his biography.

The 18th District encompasses Griswold, Groton, North Stonington, Plainfield, Preston, Sterling, Stonington and Voluntown.

Somers announced in February that she plans to seek her fifth term as senator.