Another Democrat has joined the race to be US president, promising to win back for the party the Midwest states that gave victory to Donald Trump in 2016.
Amy Klobuchar, a three-term senator from Minnesota, stressed her success in winning in counties that backed Mr Trump against Hillary Clinton in his successful campaign for the White House.
She is the most prominent Midwesterner in an increasingly-crowded race so far.
Ms Klobuchar said her success could translate to other Midwestern states such as Michigan and Wisconsin, reliably Democratic in presidential races for decades until Mr Trump’s victory over Mrs Clinton.
The list of Democrats already in the race features several better-known senators with the ability to raise huge amounts of money.
They include Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Kamala Harris of California, Cory Booker of New Jersey and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York.
It was a festive atmosphere on a cold and snowy day in Minneapolis as an exuberant crowd for Ms Klobuchar’s announcement at Boom Island Park, with the city’s skyline in the background, for her campaign kick-off on Sunday afternoon.
The temperature was in the teens and many in the crowd look as though they were dressed for skiing while campaign volunteers were passing out hand warmers along with American flags.
Hot chocolate, biscuits and cider were also provided for the event on the bank of the Mississippi river.
