Fishers City Council President Cecilia Coble announced Wednesday she will be entering the race to replace State Senator Jim Merritt in District 31.  Senator Merritt has announced his plans to resign from his long-held seat in the Indiana Statehouse.

“As a woman, a mother and a proud Hispanic Republican, I will bring a unique, personal perspective to the Indiana Senate,” Coble said in a news release. “As an attorney with both business and municipal government experience, I have a successful, professional background built on finding solutions in the private and public sectors. As a resident of this district for the past 22 years, I understand the needs of this community and will always work in its best interest.”

She is expected to face others eying the same seat.  According to Indianapolis Business Journal political reporter Lindsey Erdody,  Marion County Republican Party Chairman Kyle Walker has already announced for that seat.  Former Indianapolis City-County Councilor Michael McQuillen is running as well.

District 31 takes in Lawrence Township in Marion County and Fall Creek Township in Hamilton County, including part of Fishers.  A vote of Republican precinct officials will hold a caucus to vote on Merritt’s successor, but no date has been announced for that caucus.