Toronto city councillor Adam Vaughan officially launched his candidacy for the federal Liberal nomination in the upcoming Trinity-Spadina byelection on Wednesday night with the help of a high-profile supporter.

Vaughan kicked off his campaign at the Madison Avenue Pub in the Annex with former Toronto mayor and federal cabinet minister David Crombie in attendance.

Vaughan, who has served on city council for Ward 20 since 2006, already represents part of Trinity-Spadina in his current municipal role.

Vaughan told CP24 last week that he wants to make a difference on a larger scale and plans to bring his fight for affordable housing to the federal level.

"I want to go to Ottawa and make sure that we un-elect Stephen Harper and that we elect Justin Trudeau," Vaughan said.

If Vaughan wins the Liberal nomination, he will face NDP candidate Joe Cressy in the byelection.

The riding was vacated in March when NDP MP Olivia Chow announced her plans to run for Toronto mayor in the upcoming municipal election.