The Omaha World-Herald reports three Republicans have announced they will seek the Iowa Senate seat being vacated by Joni Ernst, who won election to the U.S. Senate earlier this month. Once Ernst resigns from her State Senate seat, Gov. Terry Branstad will call for a special election to fill the vacancy.

State Rep. Mark Costello of rural Imogene, Fremont County Board member Cara Marker-Morgan of Hamburg and Clarinda school board member Seth Watkins have all announced their candidacies.