Patrick Mara, a Republican who tried to win a seat on the D.C. Council in 2008, is trying again — he announced today that he is jumping into the race for the At-Large seat once occupied by Council Chair Kwame Brown and now held by interim Councilmember Sekou Biddle.

Mara joins a crowded field of contenders for the April 26 election — 15 have picked up nominating petitions so far — but comes to the race with a special pedigree. In a 2008 Republican primary, he ousted incumbent Councilmember Carol Schwartz, only to lose to Michael A. Brown in the general election. Just last November, Mara defeated incumbent Dotti Love Wade for the Ward 1 seat on the State Board of Education.

In a statement and video announcement emailed to media early this morning, Mara played up his ideological diversity and independence. “I have long believed that no single political party has a monopoly on good ideas and solutions to our challenges. In fact, the diversity of our city is our greatest asset. It provides for a diversity of thought,” wrote Mara. “If you want to ignore our problems, vote for a candidate who is cozy with the powerful politicians and special interests who got us into this mess. If you want an independent voice, please consider voting for me.”