The race to succeed retiring Rep. John Shadegg (R) now includes Vernon Parker (R), the mayor of a Phoenix suburb who is ending his gubernatorial campaign.

“I believe my skills, my experience and my passion are made for Congress,— Parker said this week. “I believe I can make the biggest difference for my neighbors and my fellow Arizonans there.—

“Since learning of Congressman Shadegg’s decision, my supporters have overwhelmingly encouraged me in this direction,— said Parker, the mayor of Paradise Valley since 2008. He previously served in the administration of President George W. Bush.

In leaving the gubernatorial race to run for the Phoenix-area 3rd district, Parker is trading one crowded GOP primary for another. State Sens. Pamela Gorman and Jim Waring and state Rep. Sam Crump are among the Republicans already in the race.

The likely Democratic nominee is Jon Hulburd, a lawyer and businessman who had been planning to challenge Shadegg.