Mike Huckleberry announces his intentions to run for the 70th District state representative seat at his Greenville restaurant Saturday morning. — Daily News/Kelli Ameling

GREENVILLE — Michael Huckleberry announced his candidacy Saturday with support from local government officials and Sen. Carl Levin.

From his Greenville restaurant, the 63-year-old Democrat said he is officially running for state representative in Michigan’s 70th District, which is currently held by Rep. Rick Outman, R-Six Lakes.

Among people in attendance to show support for Huckleberry were the Democrats of Montcalm County, city council members, county commissioners, former elected officials, campaign members and residents from all over the 70th district.

“I can’t thank them enough,” Huckleberry said of his supporters.

Huckleberry was elected in 2008 as a state representative with the number priority of bringing jobs to this district. On Saturday, he said that was still the No. 1 issue and added a community needs jobs to be able to grow.

“That’s why I want back in office,” he said. “I will work relentlessly. It’s an American issue.”

Other issues Huckleberry said he would like to address as state representative is that he is not in support of taxing more and getting less and he is a firm believer in education.

“Huck’s passion for education is one thing we need to fight for,” Levin said.

Levin described Huckleberry as an amazing guy and someone who does not quit.

“Huck is going to do it this year,” Levin said. “I think we have a good year coming.”

Sen. Carl Levin, D-Detroit, speaks at Huckleberry’s Restaurant Saturday morning in Greemville. — Daily News/Kelli Ameling

With his campaign members in the audience, Huckleberry vowed he would not run a negative campaign. He added he does not believe in them.

“They are wrong,” Huckleberry said. “And Mike Huckleberry knows the difference between right and wrong.”

Huckleberry said he cannot run his campaign without the help of supporters, volunteering, money and people’s votes.

“Mike Huckleberry is no quitter,” Huckleberry said. “My opponents may have knocked me down, but they didn’t knock me out.”