Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon, seen here at Rumson’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade last March, announced plans Friday to run for the 13th-District state Senate seat being vacated by Joe Kyrillos.

O’Scanlon’s announcement sets up a Republican primary battle with his 13th-District colleague and fellow Republican Assemblywoman Amy Handlin of Lincroft, who told the Asbury Park Press on Thursday that she is seeking Kyrillo’s spot.

O’Scanlon, 54, served on the Little Silver borough council from 1994 to 2007, when he was elected to the Assembly. Handlin, 60, is an associate professor of marketing at Monmouth University who previously served as a Middletown Township Committee member and on the Monmouth County Freeholders’ board. They share a legislative office in downtown Red Bank.

Kyrillos, of Middletown, announced in October that he wouldn’t seek re-election in 2017, ending his 28-year tenure in the legislature. The 13th district covers Little Silver, Fair Haven, Rumson, Sea Bright and a dozen other Monmouth County towns. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge)