ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ)—A new voice enters the Maryland U.S. Senate race. Rob Sobhani is challenging Democrat incumbent Ben Cardin.

Political reporter Pat Warren reports this offers Maryland a rare alternative to the ruling parties.

Montgomery County businessman Rob Sobhani believes government needs work, and he wants to work it out in the U.S. Senate.

“The system’s corrupt. It’s failing us. We need to shake things up,” Sobhani said in a political ad.

Some 77,000 Marylanders signed a petition to put Sobhani on the November ballot as an independent in the Maryland U.S.  Senate race.

“I believe that 77,000 people is just the tip of the iceberg. I believe that there are many, many more Marylanders who are fed up with both political parties, with bickering, with the dysfunction,” said Sobhani.

He’s running against Libertarian candidate Imad “Dean” Ahmad, incumbent Democrat Ben Cardin and Republican Dan Bongino, another political newcomer.

Sobhani says his reasons are from the heart.

“My family had to escape the persecution when the Islamic revolution happened in Iran and came to the United States,” said Sobhani. “This is my home and I’m worried about my home. And if you’re worried about the state of your home, you’ve got to do something about it.”

The campaign has already extended an invitation to Sen. Cardin for a debate.

Sen. Cardin is running for his second term in the U.S. Senate.