Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences Director Mike Sparks is running for an east Alabama seat in the state Senate.

Sparks announced last week he would run for the Republican nomination in Senate District 13, which is represented by Sen. Gerald Dial, R-Lineville. Dial is not seeking reelection.

Randy Price, a farmer and businessman from Opelika, is also running for the Republican nomination in District 13, the Opelika-Auburn News reported.

The district includes Clay, Chambers, Cleburne and Randolph counties and part of Lee County.

Sparks said his work as an agency director with legislators during the budget process would be valuable experience.

"Our elected officials work for us, but I think some of them lose sight of that from time to time. I know how government works and I know how to make it work better. I can help make government smaller, more transparent and more accountable to the taxpayer," Sparks said in a press release.

Sparks said he would work for better paying jobs, quality education and public safety. He said he would also focus on the state's opioid addiction crisis. He said he would oppose higher taxes and "job-killing" regulations.

Sparks, who lives in Lineville, has been with the Department of Forensic Sciences for more than 39 years and will retired at the end of this year, he said.

Next year's primary is June 5.

This story was edited at 10:57 a.m. to add more information from Mike Sparks and to correct the listing of counties in District 13.