Bob Backus (D-Manchester) has officially announced that he will run against state Sen. Ted Gatsas (R-Manchester).

"I am running to protect our New Hampshire values-to ensure that we provide not just an adequate education but an excellent education for all students, to create "green collar" jobs to improve our environment and economy, and to improve public safety by supporting our law enforcement community," Backus said in a statement. "The families of District 16 deserve attentive and responsive representation in Concord and a Senator who will fight for them."

Backus's decision sets-up a rematch of the 2006 election when Gatsas defeated Backus by 314 votes.