State Rep. Stephen Stepanek (R-Amherst) has decided to run the Executive Council.

Stepanek will be challenging Councilor Debora Pignatelli (D-Nashua) for the District 5 seat.

The Amherst state rep has established a political action committee called "Friends of Stephen Stepanek" and has set-up a website: http://stephenbstepanek.com.

Stepanek is serving his third term in the House and is co-founder of Hampshire Paper Corporation.

Stepanek has not returned phone call or e-mail requesting comment.

Stepanek's decision means that the Republicans have found challengers for all the Democratic-held Executive Council seats.

Former State Senator Russell Prescott (R-Kinston) is challenging Councilor Bev Hollingworth (D-Hampton) and Merrimack County District Attorney Dan St. Hilaire (R-Concord) is going up against Councilor John Shea (D-Nelson).