Republican Brian Herr says he will challenge Democratic U.S. Sen. Edward Markey in the November election.
Herr is a member of the Hopkinton Board of Selectmen and works in the commercial construction business, according to his campaign website. He ran unsuccessfully for a seat in the U.S. House in 2010.
Herr says he would support term limits for newly-elected federal office holders, a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced budget, and what he calls "meaningful, respectful immigration reform."
Markey won a special election last June to serve the remainder of U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry's Senate term.
Markey was asked by reporters about a potential challenger in the race for full six-year term at a stop in Pittsfield on Jan. 26.
“I work hard every day doing my work as a senator,” Markey said. “I’m going to continue to do that and I think that’s the best way.”
Herr is the first Republican to enter the race.