Georgia state Sen. Don Balfour (R) on Monday became the first candidate to enter the race to succeed Rep. John Linder (R), who stunned Peach State Republicans with his retirement announcement over the weekend.

In an interview with Roll Call on Monday afternoon, Balfour said he would be announcing his campaign for the 7th district seat “within the hour.”

Balfour is the first elected official to formally throw his hat in to the contest, and he is considered an early frontrunner. Balfour is the chairman of the state Senate Rules Committee.

In addition to Balfour, state Sen. David Shafer is thought to be the other leading GOP candidate who could enter the race. Shafer, a former executive director of the Georgia GOP, is a prolific fundraiser and has run statewide before.

Several other Republicans are looking at running, and the GOP is not likely to have any trouble holding the seat.