State Rep. Alecia Webb-Edgington (R) became the first candidate to announce a campaign for retiring Rep. Geoff Davis’ (R-Ky.) seat today.

“Congressman Geoff Davis leaves big shoes to fill,” Webb-Edgington said in a statement announcing her bid. “He and Jim Bunning both served the Fourth District with an exceptional commitment to conservative principles. I will seek to follow the examples they set for principled leadership and effective constituent services.”

Webb-Edgington may be the first candidate, but local Republicans say she won’t be the only one to run for the heavily Republican 4th district. Even though Davis’ announcement came as a surprise to many Bluegrass State Republicans, local operatives expect a crowded and competitive field for the GOP primary.

Hunter Bates, a former top aide to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, expressed interest in the seat last week. Republicans also mentioned state Rep. Adam Koenig, state Sen. Damon Thayer and attorney Marcus Carey as potential candidates.

But Webb-Edgington is the first of the bunch to announce her campaign. She plans to file her statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission today, according to a news release from her campaign.

“This is no exploratory committee,” Webb-Edgington said. “I am in this race to win it and am fully committed to the hard work and extraordinary effort that will be required to run an effective campaign and earn the support of Kentucky voters.”