Two local men announced they are seeking the Republican nomination in an upcoming special election for former Rep. Tedd Nesbit's seat.

Roy Remone, a Franklin Township man who was Butler County's 2017 veteran of the year, and Jeff Wimer, of Mercer, Mercer County, both hope to be nominated to the state House's 8th District seat, which was formerly held by Nesbit.

The seat covers a section of northern Butler County and much of the eastern half of Mercer County.

The party's nominee is going to be selected by a panel of Republican committee members from Mercer and Butler counties. The party nomination process is largely closed to the public.

Each party plans to select a candidate via internal processes in the coming weeks. Voters don't get to weigh in until a March 17 special election.

Remone manages the Compeer and CompeerCORP program through Butler County's Mental Health Association. The organization provides mental health and other support for veterans in the community.

Wimer previously managed New Castle's Executive Health Group and currently serves as an emergency dispatcher at the Mercer County Emergency Management Agency.