Former Georgia deputy insurance commissioner Jim Beck has announced his candidacy to become the state's next top insurance regulator, according to Insurance Journal.

Beck is a Republican with more than 30 years of experience working in the insurance industry, including 12 years working as a director for a Fortune 150 property and casualty insurance company.

The race for the open seat already has five candidates, as current commissioner Ralph Hudgens announced in July that he would not run again.