(Photo: Facebook)

Jeff Kurzon, the managing partner of Manhattan law firm, says he's ready to run for Congress and challenge  Nydia Velázquez in the Democratic primary next year.

"Hi," Mr. Kurzon says on his recently-launched campaign website. "My name is Jeff Kurzon. I am a 36 year old attorney and have lived in both ends of District 7: from Bushwick in Brooklyn to Little Italy in Manhattan. I am a proud American with diverse roots ranging from Armenian to English, Irish and Scottish descent. My mother, a former social worker, now runs a small publishing business. My father is a retired physician who served in the U.S. Navy. I am Catholic, however, I respect all forms of spirituality that strengthens us as humans and connects us to each other and God."

Mr. Kurzon announced his campaign today in a press release sent out this morning. Although he didn't mention Ms. Velázquez by name, he criticized business as usual in Washington and corporate PAC contributions.

“Wealth and income disparity in our country is on an unsustainable course that needs to be reversed," he said in a statement. "Our politics fueled by corporate PAC spending are broken and no longer represent the values of the American people. We cannot let the interests of a few dictate the welfare of everyone.”

Mr. Kurzon certainly has an uphill battle ahead of him, however. Ms. Velázquez easily beat back a strong challenge from veteran Councilman Erik Dilan last year, decisively winning all parts of the tri-borough district except Mr. Dilan's base in northern Brooklyn and Hasidic Williamsburg. Without the backing of the Brooklyn county establishment--which Mr. Dilan had--it could be an even harder electoral slog for Mr. Kurzon.