(AP) — Nebraska state Sen. Pete Pirsch is joining the Republican primary race for attorney general.

Pirsch announced Friday that he would seek the seat held by Jon Bruning, who is running for governor.

Pirsch has served in the Legislature for eight years, representing west Omaha. He also has worked as a criminal prosecutor in Douglas County, and served on the Nebraska Crime Commission.

The 44-year-old had originally planned to run for state auditor before the attorney general position came open. He says he believes he could have served in both roles, but his greater passion was with the attorney general’s office.

Pirsch is the second GOP hopeful to announce that he’ll run. Lincoln attorney Doug Peterson has also declared his candidacy.

Fremont attorney Janet Stewart is unopposed in the Democratic primary.