BRANFORD -- State Sen. Ted Kennedy Jr., D-Branford, announced Wednesday he will be running for re-election in the 12th District.

In his announcement, Kennedy said he wants to continue working on environmental and public health issues if he is re-elected to continue representing the towns of Branford, Guilford, Madison, North Branford, Durham and Killingworth.

“Our state enjoys unique and exceptional assets: a prime geographic location, world-class research institutions, a highly skilled workforce, and countless cultural, historical and environmental treasures. However, since the global recession, Connecticut has faced significant economic setbacks,” Kennedy said in a press release.

Kennedy is serving his first term in office after beating Republican Bruce Wilson forin the2014election. He serves as chairman of the state Senate’s Environment Committee, where he has led efforts to make changes on environmental reforms affecting Long Island Sound, farmland preservation, plastic pollutants, rivers and streams, and toxic pesticides on municipal playgrounds. In 2015, there were 22 environmental bills signed into law.

Kennedy said since the recession, the state has faced significant economic setbacks, and a structural shift in the economy has created a state budget crisis.

“As a bone cancer survivor and amputee, I’ve faced difficult challenges before. What I’ve learned is to accept change, create new ways to adapt and implement these new strategies successfully. I know that with both hard work and teamwork — and tapping into the best ideas from both parties — we can revitalize Connecticut’s fiscal health, create a more positive business climate, address critical social service needs and protect our beautiful natural resources,” Kennedy said in a press release.

Last month, in an effort to improve the local economy, Kenenedy teamed up with the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce to organize the first Shoreline Economic Strategic Planning Summit. More than 150 local business leaders gathered to discuss the region’s strategic assets, opportunities, barriers and ways to improve the area’s competitiveness in business.

“Understanding and meeting the needs of my constituents has always been my number one priority. From working to resolve hundreds of constituent cases, to hosting regular ‘Open Office Hours’ across the district, to meaningful constituent conversations that provide insight and inspiration for my legislative efforts,” Kennedy said.