A Tucson Republican plans to make a formal announcement that she'll run for Congresswoman Martha McSally's seat.
Lea Marquez-Peterson is the president of the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
She told KGUN9 she will only run to represent Arizona's Congressional District 2 if McSally runs for U.S. Senator Jeff Flake's seat. If not Marquez-Peterson says she'll drop out because she's a big supporter of McSally.
Sen. Flake announced he would not seek re-election in 2018 and despite speculation, Rep. McSally has not made a formal announcement about a possible senate bid.
Marquez-Peterson grew up in the district and says the area is an interesting mix of urban and rural areas.
"I thought some day I'd run for some office, I wasn't sure in what capacity," Marquez-Peterson said. "But it really is an honor to think I can run for a congressional seat and represent the community in which I grew up in. I think as a little girl I didn't envision it might be Congress but this is an honor and I'm very excited to run."
Marquez-Peterson has been the head of the chamber since 2009 and has served on various boards and committees across the state. In 2014 she was chosen for Governor Doug Ducey’s transition team.
She plans to make a formal announcement at an event next week.
Meanwhile a handful of democrats are hoping for the nomination.
Former U.S. Representative Ann Kirkpatrick announced in July she plans to run against McSally next year.
Kirkpatrick unsuccessfully ran against Senator John McCain for a U.S. Senate seat last year.
