Former pro football player Jay Riemersma (R) has filed to run for retiring Rep. Pete Hoekstra’s (R) seat, setting up a GOP primary in the western Michigan district.

Former state Rep. Bill Huizenga (R) has already filed for the seat, plus state Sen. Wayne Kuipers (R) is expected to get in the race. Hoekstra is stepping down after nine terms to run for governor next year.

A native of the region, Riemersma played football for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills before returning to the area to work for the Family Research Council.

The district historically has voted for Republicans: Hoekstra won re-election with 62 percent in 2008, when the GOP presidential ticket won the district with 51 percent. The winner of the Republican primary is expected to take the general election as well.