Binghamton Mayor Rich David will form an exploratory committee to potentially run for state Senate in 2022 and fill the 52nd District seat being vacated by state Sen. Fred Akshar, David announced Friday.

"It's an opportunity I'm very interested in, as I believe District 52 residents deserve a strong voice in Albany fighting for our interests," David said.

David, a Republican, will leave his current office in December due to term limits. He was first elected as mayor in 2013. He also served as deputy mayor under a previous administration.

During his time in office, David has touted the number of blighted properties removed by the city, and his role in helping to keep the minor league baseball team in Binghamton.

David said a formal announcement could come in the future.

Akshar, also a Republican, has held the seat since winning a special election in 2015. He announced Thursday his intention to run for Broome County sheriff in 2022.

No other candidate has not come close to beating Akshar in any of the four Senate elections he has won, and he has not faced a Democratic challenger since 2016.

The 52nd District covers Broome, Chenango, Tioga and Delaware counties.