The 89th District Ohio House of Representatives race is getting a bit more crowded.

Scioto County Commissioner Mike Crabtree announced his candidacy for the 89th District House of Representatives seat Monday during a stop at the Lawrence County Courthouse.

Crabtree, a Democrat, seeks to replace State Representative Todd Book, who is term limited.

Book touted Crabtree as someone with common sense who would not be tied to any one group and who would make decisions based on what is good for the 120,000 people he represents. That sentiment was echoed by Allan Sayre, Ohio House Assistant Floor Leader.

“I’m excited about having Mike jump into the race,” Sayre said.

“The 89th District has long had historic leadership. I think Mike is the type of person who will continue that and continue with the Lawrence County values that are strong here and will take Lawrence County values to Columbus.”

Crabtree said the decision to run is not one he made lightly.

“I feel I can do a good job for the 89th District, not for personal gain. I will try to make the district proud,” Crabtree said.

Crabtree said two of his chief concerns are jobs and education. He said one problem area he wants to tackle is the outsourcing of jobs. He also wants to focus on post-secondary education, including job training for technical and manufacturing trades.

Crabtree will thus far face fellow Scioto Countian Ron Hadsell Jr. for the Democratic nomination. The winner of that race will then face yet another Scioto Countian, Dr. Terry Johnson, who is thus far the only Republican to declare his candidacy for the 89th District house seat.