State Rep. Fred Costello (R-Fla.), a former mayor of the city of Ormond Beach, announced a long-expected campaign for Congress on Monday in the open and strongly Republican 6th district.

He’s considered a serious contender by local political operatives. But he’ll face a tough primary battle with former Naval JAG officer Ron DeSantis, former Ruth’s Chris CEO Craig Miller and Jacksonville City Councilman Richard Clark, among others.

Roll Call rates the race as Safe Republican. The winner of the GOP primary is likely to come to Congress.