A retired boxer and Butler businessman is ready to step into the political ring.

“The boxing career is over for me, but the fight is just beginning,” said Ryan Covert.

A packed Snack-N-Pack dining room erupted in applause Thursday evening as Ryan Covert announced he will run for the Republican nomination for the state's 11th House District, a seat held by Republican Marci Mustello.

Mustello's term expires at the end of the year.

A 1997 graduate of Butler Area High School, Covert is part owner of Snack-N- Pack, Butler Hot Dog Shoppe and Over the Top Truck Wash & Fleet Detailing.

“We have too much government and too little getting done at the expense of the taxpayers,” Covert said. “It is time for a fighter to be elected and someone who has worked outside of government to understand the real world of paying bills without tax dollars. That someone is me.”

In addition to spending tax money wisely, Covert said he hopes to focus on the opioid crisis as well as look at expanding industry in Butler.

He said he is the son of a steelworker, and he wants to keep union jobs alive, too.

Bob Yenick of Jefferson Township ate some of the appetizers put out for those in attendance.

“I'm excited,” Yenick said. “He's a real go-getter.”

He said he met Covert through Eric Hulick, who co-owns multiple businesses with Covert.

Yennick said in the year he has known Covert, he has seen him as a down-to-earth person.

“He listens to people,” Yenick said. “You can tell by being around him, he soaks it all in.”

After Covert finished his announcement, Elizabeth Poirer of Seven Fields, yelled “Get in the ring with Ryan” over the crowd.

Poirer said Covert's experience as an employer and businessman make him interesting, but his attention to the needs of his community is what makes him unique.

“These are all the people that are looking for change,” she said. “And I think they can really get behind someone like Ryan. I think he's a winner.”

Covert said it was a privilege to announce his intent to the people who have shaped his life.

“The people here tonight inspired me to be a better person,” Covert said. “These are the kind of people I'm working for.”

Ryan Covert