California state Sen. Mark DeSaulnier (D) will be the first candidate in the special election to replace former Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D-Calif.) to air a TV ad, his campaign announced Monday.

DeSaulnier will run an ad highlighting his commitment to health care reform. The 30-second spot will begin airing Tuesday on cable stations throughout the 10th Congressional district.

“Health care for all — it’s time to get real,— a narrator says at the beginning of the spot, which features pictures of average citizens and, at times, DeSaulnier meeting with them. “Mark DeSaulnier is running for Congress to make health care affordable for everyone. He’ll work with President Obama to hold down medical costs. No higher rates for pre-existing conditions and lower rates for small business and individuals.—

“Mark DeSaulnier — a leader on health care in the state Legislature. Ready to do what’s right.—

In the crowded Sept. 1 all-party primary, DeSaulnier is one of three Democratic frontrunners, along with Lt. Gov. John Garamendi and state Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan. If no one tops 50 percent of the vote, as expected, the top vote-getters from each party advance to a special election two months later.

The East Bay seat is vacant because Tauscher just took a high-level job at the State Department.

On Monday, the man Tauscher beat to win the 10th district seat in 1996, former Rep. Bill Baker (R-Calif.), endorsed attorney David Harmer, who is widely seen as the strongest GOP candidate in the race.

“David Harmer is the only candidate I trust to protect taxpayers from higher taxes and to fight for a balanced budget,— Baker said in a statement. “And David will oppose a government takeover of our health care system that will drive up costs and further slow our economic recovery.—