California Gov. Jerry Brown announced on Thursday that he will be running for re-election.

Brown released a statement noting, "there is nothing I would rather do. So today, I have taken out the papers to run for re-election," reports The Associated Press. The 75-year-old political favorite added, "I am here and ready to go."

Brown also took to his Twitter to post a picture and make his announcement also through social media.

According to Reuters, Brown spoke excitedly about continuing to help California with budget issues as well as help the state as it suffers through worsening drought and other issues.

The Democrat currently has plenty of campaign funds, about $17 million, to begin his work to be re-elected over challengers Tim Donnelly and Neel Kashkari, both Republicans.

The latter released a disparaging statement noting that Brown has "touted a status quo that is devastating for millions of families and communities all across the state."

Brown has been the governor of California for three terms, with two coming consecutively in 1975 to 1983 and the third after a long break.

The longest-serving governor of the state has a 58 percent approval rating, according to a Field Poll published in December.

image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons