text: Former Saturday Night Live cast member Gary Kroeger announced Tuesday that he is running for Congress in Iowa . A former Saturday Night Live cast member is running for Congress in Iowa, and he says it isn't a laughing matter. Gary Kroeger said he will run in the 2016 Democratic primary for Iowa's 1st District. The 57-year-old Iowa native says he wants to focus on progressive policies, such as investing in education and protecting the environment. 'I'm a lion of liberalism. I truly embrace these policies of civil rights, economic equity, economic prosperity and upward mobility,' Kroeger said Tuesday. Kroeger appeared on Saturday Night Live from 1982 through 1985, and is perhaps best known for portraying Donny Osmond in a sketch with Julia Louis-Dreyfus. After a long entertainment career, he moved back to Iowa 12 years ago to raise his two sons. He now works for an advertising agency and lives in Waterloo. Freshman Republican Rep. Rod Blum currently represents the district, which covers the northeastern part of the state. Two other Democrats are already in the primary race: Cedar Rapids Councilwoman Monica Vernon and Cedar Rapids businessman Ravi Patel. Kroeger said he hasn't spoken about running for Congress with a fellow SNL alumnus, Minnesota Sen. Al Franken. Kroeger was a cast member on SNL from 1982 to 1985. Pictured on the left in a Christmas sketch with Julia Louis -Dreyfus (center) and Eddie Murphy as Gumby . Kroeger attended the the 40th anniversary of SNL in February, bringing his son Chris along for the celebrity-filled event . Kroeger said his run for office is no joke, but he hopes to enjoy the process. 'Nothing is funny about it, per se. It's very difficult,' Kroeger said. He later added: 'I am a person who is nearly 58 years old who has spent his life having a good time. Everything has to have an element of fun. There has to be a sense of joy.' He recently attended the 40th anniversary celebration of the sketch-comedy show, with son Chris as his guest. In photos posted to his personal Facebook, Kroeger is seen rubbing elbows with Paul Rudd while sneaking in a selfie with Paul McCartney and Dana Carvey in the background. Kroeger posted pictures of the event to Facebook, in which he and his son mingled with stars like Paul Rudd (right) Kroeger swiped out his camera in time to take a selfie with Paul McCartney and Dana Carvey in the background .
target: Kroeger, 57, was a cast member on SNL from 1982 to 1985 .
  He moved back to his home state of Iowa 12 years ago to raise his two sons and is now an advertising executive .
  Freshman Republican Rod Blum is currently representing the 1st District .
  Kroeger will be running as a Democrat and already has two opponents for the primary .