BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts U.S. Rep. Edward Markey has announced plans to run for John Kerry’s Senate seat if Kerry is confirmed by his fellow senators to become the nation’s new secretary of state.

Markey, the dean of the state’s congressional delegation, issued a statement Thursday saying he’s decided to run for Kerry’s seat.

The Malden Democrat said the events of recent weeks, from the devastation of Hurricane Sandy and the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary to the fiscal cliff debate, have made it clear Massachusetts needs a senator with what he called the “right priorities and values.”

The special election for Kerry’s seat is expected to be crowded, especially among Democrats, who have no clear front-runner.

Sen. Scott Brown would be the Republican favorite if he decides to run for the seat.