MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A former driver for House Speaker Paul Ryan who has been active in Wisconsin Republican politics for years is running to succeed Ryan in Congress.

Bryan Steil is an attorney from Ryan's hometown of Janesville and a member of the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents. He becomes the likely Republican front-runner after the field of better-known potential candidates cleared for his entry.

Steil entered the race Sunday less than two weeks after Ryan said he would not seek re-election. Ryan said Friday he has no immediate plans to endorse in the primary.

Steil has been a regent since 2016 and also works as general counsel and secretary at a company that makes packaging for food and other consumer products.

Union iron worker Randy Bryce and Janesville teacher Cathy Myers are running as Democrats.