Former North Little Rock Mayor Pat Hays says he's seeking the Democratic nomination for Arkansas' 2nd Congressional District, the first candidate to launch a bid for the seat that Republican U.S. Rep. Tim Griffin is vacating.
Hays announced on Tuesday he was running for the seat that Griffin has held since 2011. Griffin said on Monday that he would not seek re-election next year, saying he wanted to focus on time with his family.
Griffin's exit has prompted several Democratic and Republican candidates to eye a run for his seat. Former state Rep. Linda Tyler says she's considering a run for the Democratic nomination, while former Lt. Gov. Bill Halter has been urged to seek the party's nod.