Albany County Legislator Phil Steck (D) was expected late Wednesday to become the first candidate to formally enter the race to replace retiring Rep. Mike McNulty (D).

Steck’s name had not been frequently mentioned among possible contenders for the open seat, and his entry into the race suggests that Albany Democratic leaders are nervous about keeping the seat in their hands rather than letting it go to someone from one of the other jurisdictions in the 21st district.

Schenectady Mayor Brian Stratton (D) — the son of McNulty’s predecessor — is expected to enter the race soon. Schenectady County Legislator Susan Savage (D) and Tracey Brooks (D), director of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton’s Albany office, also are taking a look at running.

— Josh Kurtz