Former Republican State Representative Ray Cox and a Democrat lobbyist from Northfield will run for the State Senate District 25 seat being vacated by Tom Neuville, who is taking a judgeship in Rice County.

Cox, a 56-year-old construction company owner from Northfield, served two terms in the State House before being unseated last fall by Democrat David Bly.

Democrat Anne Bomstad Miller of Northfield already has Web site up promoting her candidacy. According to her biography, she is the co-founder and executive director of Grasstops, Inc., a multi-service advocacy working to increase the ability of nonprofit and community groups to impact public policy and the decision making process.

Several other Democrats are rumored to be considering a run for the Jan. 3 special election. However, Democrat Jessica Peterson, a former Rice County commissioner who challenged Neuville in the last general election, said she will not run.

"We’re pretty excited that so many people are willing to step forward and do this on short notice," said Kathy Farmer of Belle Plaine, chairwoman of the Senate District 25 DFL organization.

Cox, expected to announce his decision in a Thursday morning press conference, said he isn’t aware of any other Republicans intending to run.

Both the Republican and Democrat parties plan to endorse candidates for the special election. Details on the endorsement process are still pending. If more than one candidate files for each party, a primary will be held Dec. 18.

Cox said if he doesn’t get the Republican nomination, he will withdraw his candidacy.

State Senate District 25 stretches across four counties, including part of southern Scott County: the city of Belle Plaine and the townships of Blakeley, Belle Plaine, Helena and Cedar Lake.

The deadline for filling for the election with the Secretary of State’s Office is Dec. 6.

The public can expected a heated contest for the senate seat. Although it has been held by Neuville, a Republican, since 1991, the position is considered vulnerable.

While the western portion of the district is more conservative, the eastern portion includes Northfield, a liberal-leaning college town. The senate district includes to house seats, one held by Republican Laura Brod of New Prague and the other by Democrat David Bly of Northfield.

With Northfield college students gone over the winter break, Democrats also feel they will lose a strong source of voters and volunteers.

Governor spokesman Alex Carey said college students resume school on the special election day, so they will be able to vote.

Carey said the governor wanted the election to be held as soon as possible to give the new senator time to prepare for the Feb. 12 session.

-Shannon Fiecke