AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine state Rep. Patrick Flood says he’ll seek a Senate seat left open by another Republican’s decision to withdraw from the race.

Flood, of Winthrop, tells The Associated Press he “would be honored” to be the candidate in the Senate District 21 race if he wins the local party committee’s nomination.

Flood, who served as House chairman of the budget-reviewing Appropriations Committee for the past session, is considered to be a strong candidate as his party tries to retain its legislative majority.

The Senate seat is now occupied by three-term Republican Sen. Earle McCormick of West Gardiner, who was considered a strong contender for re-election but decided to drop out of the race after last week’s primary.

If Flood’s nominated, he’ll face David Bustin of Hallowell, a former legislator.