Posted Thursday, July 26, 2012 --- 11:48 a.m.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Republican state Rep. Chris Kapenga says he will run for the state Senate in the Milwaukee-area seat being vacated by Sen. Rich Zipperer of Pewaukee.

Zipperer is leaving the Senate next month to join Gov. Scott Walker's administration as deputy chief of staff.

Also running for Zipperer's old seat is Rep. Paul Farrow, a Pewaukee Republican.

Both Kapenga, who is from Delafield, and Farrow were elected in 2010.

Under state law, the earliest Walker could call a special election to fill the seat would be early December, which could allow a primary, if necessary, to be on the same day as the Nov. 6 presidential election.

With Zipperer's departure, Democrats will hold a 17-15 majority in the Senate.

The open Senate seat has been in Republican hands for decades.

Copyright 2012. The Associated Press.