The race to replace retiring Land Commissioner George P. Bush heated up this week, as State Sen. Dawn Buckingham became the second candidate to throw their hat into the ring in hopes of replacing the incumbent.

Buckingham (R-Lakeway) launched her campaign for Bush’s seat on Monday, emphasizing her Senate record, and promising a conservative tenure, if elected. A press release from Buckingham said, if elected, she would “safeguard the heroes who served in our military, protect our exceptional natural resources, and protect our unique Texas heritage, especially the Alamo.”

With Buckingham’s announcement, she joins former Texas Real Estate Commissioner Weston Martinez in the Republican primary to replace Bush, who is not seeking re-election in order to challenge Attorney General Ken Paxton in the 2022 primary election.

Candidates for Land Commissioner and other offices across Texas will have until December to file for the 2022 primary election ballot. At the moment, the primary is currently slated for March, although it may be pushed into the summer due to redistricting.