Nicole Jones

Huntsville real estate developer Nicole Jones, accompanied by children Hayden, left, and Sheridan, announces plans to run for state Senate District 7. (Paul Gattis/pgattis@al.com)

More than 13 months before the Republican primary, a Huntsville real estate developer and economic development consultant has declared her candidacy for state senate.

Republican Nicole Jones announced Tuesday that she will seek the District 7 seat held by state Sen. Paul Sanford. District 7 stretches from downtown Huntsville north to the Tennessee state line.

Jones, 33, is the first announced candidate in the race, though Sanford said last week he intended to run for re-election.

The president of Nicole Jones Development and Nicole Jones Commercial Real Estate said her knowledge of economic development led her to run for public office for the first time.

"I've really prayerfully considered where I can utilize my skillset as an economic developer to truly serve the local area," she said. "With the growth we're experiencing in Huntsville, the Senate makes a lot of decisions regarding budgets and policy and it just made the most sense."

Jones said her announcement more than a year ahead of the primary was intended to get her name before the voters.

"I think it's really important to get out there early in politics," she said. "Hopefully, it will eliminate people who are thinking about (running).

"I'm out there in the community every single day regardless of whether or not I'm running for office. So it's almost just an extension of me."

Jones also cited her faith as a motivating factor for entering the race. Jones, who said she serves as a lay liturgist at Huntsville First United Methodist Church, said she is pursuing a doctorate in theology.

"The Lord gives us all an assignment and I have accepted my assignment to serve you faithfully and professionally," Jones said.