University of Wyoming professor enters US Senate race

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - A second Democrat has entered the race for an open U.S. Senate seat in Wyoming.

University of Wyoming ecology professor Merav Ben-David, of Laramie, announced her candidacy Saturday at the annual Women's March in downtown Cheyenne.

A native of Israel, Ben-David has lived in Wyoming for 20 years. She says she decided to get involved in politics to get more involved in decisions affecting ecosystems worldwide.

She says her goal in Washington, D.C., would be to develop new sources of income and industries in Wyoming, where fossil-fuel extraction is a critical part of the economy.

Another Laramie resident, community organizer Yana Ludwig, announced her candidacy in June, the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle reports.

Three Republicans including former U.S. Rep. Cynthia Lummis are running to replace U.S. Sen Mike Enzi, who plans to retire in 2021 after four terms.

Two other well-known Republicans, U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney and former Gov. Matt Mead, have announced they will not run for Senate.