A second Republican has announced a bid for sheriff of Lee County in 2022, likely ensuring a Republican primary for the office.

Tim L. Smith of Sanford has launched a website declaring his candidacy in the wake of January’s announcement by current Sheriff Tracy Carter that he won’t seek a fifth term next year.

“I feel compelled to run for Sheriff because I believe strongly that a Sheriff’s Office is our primary law enforcement apparatus, to secure the rights and property of the people, to safeguard public safety, and, is one of our most fundamental checks and balances against government overreach,” Smith states on the website.

Smith worked with the Sheriff’s Office from 2003 to 2017, when he “left the Sheriff’s office on my own accord, to pursue other opportunities,” according to a bio. He indicated that currently works for UPS.

Smith’s website launch comes after Captain Brian Estes, also a Republican, announced in January that he would seek the seat. Filing for the race will open in December.