Democratic activist Steven Olikara enters Wisconsin Senate race

Activist Steven Olikara has formally entered the crowded Democratic primary race to be the next U.S. senator from Wisconsin.

“We’re going to need a different kind of politics if we’re going to solve the scale of the problems, whether it’s climate change, the need for more dignified work, the need for immigration reform,” Olikara, 31, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

This is Olikara’s first time running for public office. He formally worked as former chief executive of the nonprofit Millennial Action Project.

“We’re planning on carving out a new lane around dignity and humanity that is inclusive,” he told the newspaper.

“We plan to energize Democrats, but also there are a lot of people feeling politically homeless right now and I’m not seeing traditional politicians reach out and listen to them. We plan to include them and expand the electorate in a way that we haven’t seen in a long time.”

Olikara will be facing off against high-level opponents like Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes (D), state Treasurer Sarah Godlewski and Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson. Sen. Ron Johnson (R) has yet to say whether he will be running for reelection.

Last month, Johnson said in an interview, “I may not be the best candidate. I wouldn’t run if I don’t think I could win if I don’t think I was the best person to be able to win.”

Johnson’s remarks reportedly left the Wisconsin GOP anxious and seeking backup plans in case he chooses not to run.

On Monday, Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), head of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, said he thinks Johnson will run after all.