A Newtown rabbi is looking to become the first Jewish clergy member elected to Congress.

Rabbi Shaul Praver is running to replace Rep. Elizabeth Esty in the 5th District.

He is one of two Jewish prison chaplains in the state. He was also a first responder to the Sandy Hook shooting.

Praver says that answering the call to help the families of Newtown changed his life.

"We have a certain amount of time to do something in this world to change the world, and that's why I want to run for Congress," he said.

Praver joins a list of candidates hoping to fill Esty’s seat.

The 5th Congressional District includes Sandy Hook, the elementary school where a gunman opened fire on children and teachers in a deadly rampage.  

Praver says that he would like to champion gun control.

"Whether you are a liberal or a conservative, nobody sheds fewer tears for the victims of gun violence," he said.

If he does not get nominated as a Democrat, Praver says that he will petition his way onto the ballot.