Republican Ryan Lauer, a former member of Bartholomew County Council, has filed to run for the Indiana Assembly District 59 seat now held by Rep. Milo Smith.

Lauer first made a run for the seat two years ago, losing to Smith in the primary.

Lauer holds a degree in biochemistry from Indiana University. He has worked at Cummins for more than 10 years and is now a senior engineer in the Test Technology Engineering area. He has served as a member of the Sheriff’s Department Merit Board, Community Corrections Advisory Committee, and Computer & Data Board and led efforts including UnCommon Cause and the “Save Eos” campaign.

Ryan lives in Columbus with his wife, Blair, and two daughters, Awyn and Lillian.  He is a member of Grace Lutheran Church on Central Avenue and Chairman of the Grace Lutheran Church Congregation.

Smith also filed to run for re-election last week and Lew Wilson, Bartholomew County’s assessor, is also seeking the Republican nomination for the seat in the, now, three-way race.

The deadline to file for office is Friday at noon.