DOVER — Republican businessman Chuck Boyce announced Wednesday he has filed to run for Delaware’s U.S. Senate seat in 2018 that’s now held by Democrat Tom Carper.

Mr. Boyce is the first candidate to file to run for the seat.

Sen. Carper, 70, who was first elected to the Senate in 2000, said in December he had not yet decided whether he would seek a fourth term. However, he told the Washington Post earlier this month he will probably run again.

Mr. Boyce, the owner of Brandywine Executive Center in Wilmington, said in a statement he is focused on strengthening the economy, spending taxpayer dollars wisely and providing better care to veterans.

“Each period of transition creates a time of radical divisiveness throughout the country,” he said. “I’m eager to provide a much-needed respectful and outside voice as a rational Republican. We must end the musical chair mentality that is plaguing what it means to be a public servant. I look forward to providing the people of Delaware an alternative.”

His successful business career has solidified Boyce’s strong fiscal conservative values; however he believes the federal government is distracted by party politics.

“Delawareans deserve better than what is currently being delivered in Washington,” Boyce said. “It’s time to focus on getting our priorities

straight.”

Those priorities include recovering our economy, education, and better treatment of veterans, Boyce said.

Boyce has one teenage daughter and resides in Middletown.