On Dec. 3 Wes Riddle of Belton stood in the back watching studiously as U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, amid a crowd of supporters in front of the Bell County Courthouse, declared he would seek re-election to the 11th Congressional District.

Nearly a month later, Riddle officially threw his hat into the race Friday, hoping to unseat the long-time U.S. Representative.

According to the Texas GOP website, as of late Friday evening, other Republicans joining the race were former Waco school district trustee Dot Snyder and Midland accountant Mike Conaway, also a former Midland school board member and veteran.

Some congressional hopefuls have said they are waiting on the legal outcome of the Texas Legislature