Florida mayor Wayne Messam launches 2020 campaign

Wayne Messam, the little-known mayor of Miramar, Fla., officially announced his 2020 Democratic presidential bid on Thursday.

The state of play: Given his low national profile, Messam is banking on a path to victory through appealing to black voters in southern states like Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Georgia and both of the Carolinas, reported Axios' Alexi McCammond earlier this month. He told Axios then, "Washington is not working for the American people, and these big issues need fresh eyes and bold ideas from someone closer to the people, so our voice can be heard."

Go deeper ... Wayne Messam: Everything you need to know about the 2020 candidate