Aaron West of Minot announced Monday that he is seeking the District 40 Republican Party’s endorsement as a candidate for the state House of Representatives.

Rep. Matt Ruby announced he will seek reelection. Rep. Randy Schobinger plans to step down from the other District 40 House seat.

West is the secretary of the local District 40 GOP district committee and past chairman of the Northwest District for the North Dakota Young Republicans. He describes himself as a fiscal conservative, pro-life, pro-Second Amendment and a strong supporter of local community law enforcement agencies and first responders.

“I am extremely motivated to address the challenges that currently face our local communities, such as the rise in tax rates, the rise in crime and our current educational issues,” he said. “I look forward to hearing from our community about their concerns and what they expect most from those representing them in Bismarck.”

West has been employed with the Ward County Detention Center since 2014 and is a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and Sons of the American Revolution.

The primary election is on June 11, and the general election is on Nov. 5.