COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A once-homeless Ohio man whose smooth radio voice made him an Internet sensation a decade ago says he's running for governor as a Democrat.

Ted Williams was propelled into the spotlight in 2011 after appearing in a video by The Columbus Dispatch panhandling on a highway ramp with a sign advertising his golden voice. The video’s millions of views led to national television appearances and earned Williams numerous voice-over jobs.

Williams announced his interest in succeeding Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine this week on WWGH-FM in Marion, the same station he used to announce a long-shot presidential bid in 2015.

Williams joins Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley as Democrats aiming to unseat DeWine next year. 

The last Democrat to win a gubernatorial election in Ohio was Ted Strickland in 2006. The 2006 election was the only time in the last three decades a Democrat has won.