LAS VEGAS-Today, Assemblyman David Parks announced that he will seek the 7th Senate District seat left vacant by Nevada Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus' run for congress. This move sets up a potential primary contest between Parks and Assemblyman Mark Manendo, who is "seriously considering" a run as well.

"[Parks] hasn't been primary tested. I have," said Manendo Thursday.

Parks' announcement leaves open his seat in Assembly District 41 and today the Nevada Democratic Party announced that UNLV math professor Paul Aizley will seek the seat.

"As a math teacher, I have been concerned about math proficiency long before low test scores recently made the headlines," Aizley said. "I believe we have to be more creative in our administrative oversight of schools, and we must do more to recruit and retain the most highly qualified teachers, particularly in areas of teacher shortages."

Aizley's campaign was endorsed by Parks who said "Aizley has a real commitment to improving our community."

"He is a tireless worker who believes in solving a problem rather than sitting around and talking about it."

Both Senate District 7 and Assembly District 41 are considered safe seats for Democrats. Democrats outnumber Republicans by nearly 24 percent of registered voters in SD7 and nearly 17 percent in AD41.

EARLIER on PolitickerNV.com:

•  It's official: Titus announces for 3rd congressional district