The first challenger has entered the race after Estevan’s four-term Saskatchewan Party MLA Doreen Eagles announced she will not be running again in the next provincial election, expected in 2016.
The Energy City's Mayor, Roy Ludwig, who was elected in 2012, has thrown his name into the race for the local Saskatchewan Party position.
"I've always been interested in politics," Ludwig told the Mercury after Eagles stated she will not be seeking re-election in Estevan. "It was always in the back of my mind that if I had the opportunity, I would take it and see where it went."
He praised Eagles' work over the past 15 years and noted she was a "great people person," adding he was lucky to have been able to work with her on numerous occasions.
"That's what you need in the political arena," Ludwig said about Eagles' charisma. "That, and the ability to work through issues and problems and take them up the ladder and see that they get taken care of in a timely fashion."
When asked what makes him the ideal candidate, Ludwig turned to his 20 years of experience on council and his understanding of some of the inner-workings of the party during his time as president of the Sask. Party Constituency Association in Estevan, a position he's held since 2012.
"I enjoy my job as mayor very much, but I do have a lot of experience, and I have a lot to offer in this role with the fact that I enjoy working with people and my municipal experience," he said. "For me, I see this as a natural next step."
Ludwig has worked at the Westmoreland Coal Company for 37 years, and continues to work there today. He is also a member of the Rotary Club in Estevan.
