A member of the Madison city council is setting his sights on Montgomery.

Teddy Powell announced his candidacy Wednesday for the vacant District 10 seat in the state House of Representatives. Former state Rep. David Cole created the open seat after resigning in August after entering a guilty plea for voting at an unauthorized location.

Powell is the first known Republican to announce his candidacy for the seat. Democrat Marilyn Lands has also entered the race.

Powell was first elected to the Madison city council in 2016.

“The people of Madison deserve to have their voices heard in Montgomery by a person who they know, respect, and trust,” Powell said in the announcement. “For the past six years I’ve enjoyed focusing on economic development here in Madison that brings jobs and opportunities, investing in our schools and education systems, as well as working to enhance the quality and safety of our infrastructure locally.

“I’m running for House District 10 with the encouragement of my family, many local friends and neighbors. I hope to focus on taking the successes we’ve seen in Madison to Montgomery to increase the quality of life around Alabama for everyone that lives in or visits our state.”

Powell recently retired as a budget analyst for the U.S. Department of Defense.

As a councilman, Powell serves on the finance committee, the Industrial Development Board, the Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals and is the council representative to the Historic Society.

He graduated from Minor High School in Adamsville and received a business administration and finance degree from Birmingham Southern College and a master’s in business administration from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

“I’m proud to call Madison my home,” Powell said in the announcement. “I’m honored to serve on the council, and I am excited about the opportunity to serve the people of my home as their voice in Montgomery. I look forward to meeting the voters in District 10, listening to their concerns, and earning their vote. I’ve always enjoyed working hard and this campaign will be no different; I plan to work hard, share my ideas, and run a strong campaign.”

Gov. Kay Ivey set a special election to replace Cole for March 26, 2024, preceded by the primary election on Dec. 12.