State Rep. Cam Ward made it official this morning. He is seeking the state senate seat in the 14th district, which will be vacated by State Sen. Hank Erwin, R-Montevallo.

Erwin announced on Sunday he is seeking Alabama’s lieutenant governor’s seat.

Ward, an attorney who specializes in economic development, has represented Dist. 49 in the Alabama House for the last seven years. He is vice chairman of the House Republican Caucus and has been active in the Republican Party on the state and national level for two decades, said a press release issued this morning by the Ward campaign.

Erwin praised Ward’s work in the legislature and called him the “heir apparent” to his senate seat.

“The Republican Party and the State of Alabama are at a pivotal point where tremendous decisions must be made about our future. Running for the Senate is an opportunity to continue listening to the concerns of the citizens and be an even stronger advocate for them in Montgomery. I am excited to throw my hat into the ring with a goal of providing conservative, proactive leadership for the citizens of Senate District 14,” Ward said Monday.

Ward made his announcement during visits throughout the district in Clanton, Centreville, Helena and also an online interview at the popular Alabama Political Blog, Doc’s Political Parlor.

Ward’s current legislative district includes parts of Shelby and Bibb Counties. Senate District 14 encompasses all of Chilton County and parts of Bibb, Jefferson and Shelby Counties.

Ward has been recognized by multiple organizations for his work in the Alabama Legislature. He was recently named State Elected Official of the Year in 2008 by Easter Seals of the United States, a Legislator of the Year for the Rural Conservation and Development Council, and ARC of Alabama’s Public Advocate Award for 2008.

Ward is married to the former Julie Cain, and they have a daughter, Riley. They are members of Westwood Baptist Church in Alabaster.