CHARLOTTESVILLE — A 38-year-old Marine Corps veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan has announced his candidacy for the Fifth District Congressional seat.

Roger Dean “R.D.” Huffstetler is seeking the Democratic nomination for the seat, according to a press release.

The business entrepreneur says in his release he was the first member of his family to graduate from college.

“In the weeks following the launch of his campaign, R.D. will travel throughout the district to meet with local leaders and hearing directly from the hard-working families he is running to represent,” his release noted.

“Whether it’s growing up in a family where everyone worked with their hands or serving as a U.S. Marine, I’ve learned that leadership starts with listening and progress only comes by honoring everyone’s point of view, especially when we disagree,” Huffstetler said in the release.

The district, which encompasses Buckingham, Cumberland and Prince Edward counties, is represented by U.S. Rep. Tom Garrett, R-Buckingham.