Port Washington native Michael Scotto officially announced his candidacy for Nassau County district attorney.

The announcement was made Wednesday during a news conference in Mineola.

Scotto worked as a prosecutor for the Manhattan District Attorney's Office for more than 22 years. He then opened his own private practice in Garden City.

The 50-year-old says he prides himself on being an outsider and not a career politician.

"The people put their trust in a DA to be their advocate and the DA owes it to the people to never be partisan," Scotto said. "I've locked up politicians on both sides of the aisle... and never considered what party they were a part of."

Scotto will challenge acting DA Madeline Singas for the Democratic nomination.

Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray is also running on the Republican side.