Former Virginia Rep. Tom Perriello (D) will run for governor of the state in what could be one of the highest-profile elections of 2017, The New York Times reports. 

Perriello, who served in the House from 2009 to 2011 and is a friend of President Obama, could potentially end up challenging Lt. Gov. Ralph S. Northam, the party’s favored candidate, in the Democratic primary. 

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According to the Times, outgoing Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) hoped to clear the field for Northam so he would have a head start in fundraising and organization over Republicans vying for their party’s nomination. 

Perriello is more progressive, while Northam is more of a moderate Democrat. 

On the Republican side, former Republican National Committee Chairman Ed Gillespie remains the front-runner for the nomination. 

But he faces challenges from Corey Stewart, who served as President-elect Donald TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE’s campaign chairman in Virginia, and state Sen. Frank Wagner.