GROVE CITY — Jeffrey P. Black, borough council vice president, is seeking the Republican nomination for the 8th House District seat held by retiring state Rep. Dick Stevenson.

“I believe my public service as an elected official, service in community organizations like the United Way and YMCA, as well as service to my church as an elder and clerk of session, makes me an ideal candidate for the residents of the 8th District,” he said in a statement today.

Stevenson, a Grove City Republican, announced in December that he will not seek re-election.

Black will run in the May 20 primary.

After graduating from Geneva College, Black was hired by the Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV as a social studies teacher at Frew Mill School on the campus of the New Castle Youth Development Center. Black also provided professional development training to teachers and staff in Butler, Mercer, and Lawrence counties.

In early 2013 Black lost his job after the New Castle center closed because of state budget cuts.

Since becoming a displaced worker, Black found that small businesses were seeking his advice on ways to improve their businesses. In 2013 he formed Black Consultants, LLC, which helps non-profits and small businesses.

Black, who is married, is a member of the Grove City Young Professionals. He volunteers with the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce and the Grove City Area United Way, and he is on the Grove City Area YMCA Board.

In Butler County, the 8th District covers Brady, Center, Cherry, Clay, Concord, Fairview, Franklin, Jackson, Lancaster, Marion, Mercer, Muddy Creek and Worth townships and Fairview, Harmony, Harrisville, Karns City, Petrolia, Portersville, Prospect, West Liberty, West Sunbury and Zelienople.

Tedd Nesbit, a lawyer in Grove City, also is running for the GOP nomination.