(CNN) -- Ron Barber, an aide to former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, will run for the Arizona Congressional seat left empty when Giffords resigned from Congress last month.

Barber, a Democrat, was wounded in the January 2011 shooting that left Giffords with a severe head wound. She has been undergoing intensive rehabilitation since, and announced in January she would resign from Congress to focus on her recovery.

"Our community needs someone who will put politics aside and solve problems for the people of Southern Arizona," Barber said in a statement. "My commitment is to be honest with the people of this district and help restore civility to our public life."

In an interview Thursday on CNN's "Piers Morgan Tonight," Barber said Giffords asked him personally to run for her seat.

"The decision really started when Congresswoman Giffords looked right at me and said, 'Ron, will you run?' I told her it was a decision I have to think a lot about, a lot of considerations," Barber said "My family. My own well being in terms of doing this and whether it was right for the district. I've never said no to her in my life, working together five years. But I went away from the conversation and gave it considerable thought, finally I was able to say to her, 'Congresswoman, I will do that. And I'll be proud to run for the seat that you have vacated.'"

Barber served as Giffords' district director during her tenure in Congress. He remained in his role after the shooting, despite his injuries.

In an email to supporters Thursday, Giffords' husband Mark Kelly said he and his wife support Barber in his bid.

"Gabby and I are honored to stand with Ron as he launches his campaign," Kelly wrote. "We have set a goal of helping him get 1,000 donors before Monday to get his campaign off the ground quickly."

Arizona will hold a special election in June to fill the empty seat in Arizona's 8th District. A primary election will take place in April to determine candidates for the Democratic and Republican parties.

One Democrat, Matt Heinz, jumped into the race earlier this month, but told an Arizona newspaper he would drop his bid if Barber announced a run.

Republican Jesse Kelly, who ran against Giffords in 2010, said he was running for the seat last week.

On CNN Thursday, Barber relayed a piece of advice he got from Giffords about life in politics.

"The advice that she's given me is advice that I have gotten from her over the last five years. We always should take the high road," Barber said. "We should always try to find a way to come together and solve problems. She's run and been successful on a very straightforward approach. Let's find common sense solutions to the problems that face America. Let's stop talking about it. Let's stop bickering about it. Let's get gown to solutions."

CNN's Deirdre Walsh contributed to this report.