Retiring State Rep. James White (R-Hillister) announced his decision to challenge Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller in next year’s statewide election.

White, who has served in the Texas House since 2013, launched his campaign against Miller on Wednesday, becoming the second Republican to join the primary contest against the incumbent. White said on Wednesday that his legislative experience will give him the skills Texans need in a new Agriculture Commissioner.

“Texas is the top state in the nation for agriculture, providing $115 billion in annual economic impact and directly or indirectly employing one out of every seven Texans,” White said. “As a member of the Agriculture and Livestock Committee, I had direct oversight of the agency and will leverage this experience to ensure Texas remains the national leader.”

With White’s entry into the race, he joins Miller and Carey Counsil in the Republican primary for the position. Candidates still have until December to file for the race, with the current primary election set for early next year.