LITTLE ROCK (AP) – Asa Hutchinson, the former Republican congressman who just left his post as Homeland Security undersecretary, announced Saturday that he will run for Arkansas governor in 2006.

Hutchinson resigned from the federal post March 1. He had said he was interested in the governor’s office and promised to announce his decision after leaving the Homeland Security Department.

“I’m running for governor and I’m committed to winning this race,” Hutchinson said in a news release. He also made the announcement at a meeting in Newport.

“A lifetime of experience has taught me that leadership makes a difference. I’m ready to lead Arkansas into the future with a positive, hopeful vision based on the conservative values we share.”

His decision sets up a Republican primary race with Lt. Gov. Win Rockefeller, who announced recently he would seek the post. Gov. Mike Huckabee, also a Republican, cannot seek re-election because of term limits.

Arkansas Attorney General Mike Beebe is considered a likely candidate among the Democrats.