LONGMEADOW, Mass. - Skyrocketing housing costs, outdated transportation, and the lack of good paying jobs are just some of the issues State Senator Eric Lesser says motivated him to run for Lieutenant Governor.

"People's mortgage payments are higher than ever and wages aren't keeping up," Lesser said in an interview on Tuesday. "This is the issue. It's stressing our families. It's making our state unlivable and we've got to make the investments."

Investments like an East-to-West rail connecting Boston to Springfield, which Lesser has been supporting for years. He says the project would take tens of thousands of cars off the roads.

"It's going to tackle this common challenge we've got, which is the climate crisis, helping clean our air, reduce emissions, and also an inequality crisis," Lesser said.

Lesser announced his bid Tuesday, adding his name to a list of lawmakers and residents vying to be a part of the next administration.​

The Longmeadow Democrat has been in office since 2014 and also spent time working on former President Barack Obama's campaign. While a native of Western Mass., he says he'll play no favorites.

"I'm not someone who is going to pit regions against each other," Lesser said. "I'm actually someone that's going to talk about how our different regions of Massachusetts can help each other."

If elected, the 36-year-old would be the among the youngest Lieutenant Governor's in the country. It's a trait he believes could be quite helpful.

"I think I bring a very important perspective which is the parent of young kids," Lesser said. "My children are eight, five, and nine months. I actually think it's because of how young my kids are that I see where our state is headed."

Other issues Sen. Lesser is looking to address if elected is improving broadband internet in Central and Western Massachusetts. He also says he's looking to improve wait list times for vocational schools across the state.