Another state Senate race in this neck of the woods kicks off with qualifying for candidates beginning today.

Erath native and business owner Nathan Granger, a Democrat, has announced he will challenge State Rep. Jonathan Perry, R-Abbeville, for the seat. Perry made his intentions clear the same day former state Sen. Nick Gautreaux, D-Abbeville, announced his resignation.

Gautreaux accepted an appointment by Gov. Bobby Jindal to head the state Office of Motor Vehicles.

A special election to fill the vacant seat has been called for Feb. 19 in advance of the Legislature’s planned reapportionment special session in March.

Granger, in his first term as a Vermilion Parish Police Juror, said he believes he has the kind of experience of which the Legislature could use more. He said as a small business owner, he has created many jobs. He also said he is tired of sending the same people to Baton Rouge and expecting different results.

Perry, a lawyer and comedian in his first term in the House representing District 47, said he offers the conservative leadership necessary in the Senate to deal with the state’s ongoing budget crisis. He also touts his experience in the legislature as beneficial since all districts will face the difficult task of reapportionment this year.

Senate District 26 encompasses all of Vermilion Parish and parts of Acadia, Lafayette and St. Landry parishes.

Qualifying for candidates who live within the district continues until Friday in the parishes’ clerk of court offices.

Early voting for the race begins Feb. 8.