Martin O'Malley

WASHINGTON — Former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley plans to announce his decision on a presidential campaign May 30 in Baltimore, preparing for what would be a long-shot bid for the Democratic nomination.

O’Malley would enter the 2016 race as a relatively unknown figure nationally and face a steep test against front-runner Hillary Rodham Clinton.

The ex-Baltimore mayor has tried to present himself as a champion of progressive causes and a fresh face for liberals hesitant to support Clinton.

O’Malley held multiple conference calls Thursday night with top supporters, former aides and friends to discuss plans for the May 30 announcement. O’Malley did not explicitly say he would run for president but said he was inclined to do so and encouraged participants to tap into their network of contacts to support his campaign if he runs, according to participants who spoke on condition of anonymity.

During the calls, O’Malley spoke about the economic challenges facing the nation and how he would bring new leadership, progressive values and a record of getting things done, the participants said. Bill Hyers, a senior adviser to O’Malley’s political action committee, O’PAC, and a potential campaign manager, said they were planning to hire staff in the early voting states of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina.

O’Malley has been saying for months that he would make a final decision by the end of spring.

“My timeline for a while has been by the end of May and that remains my timeline. So stay tuned,” O’Malley said.