Alabama Secretary of State Beth Chapman announced today that she plans to resign Aug. 1.

Chapman told The Associated Press she plans to enter private business in which she has an offer in government and public relations consulting that she can’t pass up.

Gov. Robert Bentley will now be tasked with appointing a replacement for Chapman to finish out her term.

Three Republicans, including Crenshaw County Probate Judge Jim Perdue, Rep. John Merrill of Tuscaloosa and former Montgomery County Probate Judge Reese McKinney had announced their bid for election in 2014.

Perdue has served as probate judge for nearly 12 years, and has served as legislative coordinator or the Probate Judges Association and as president.

“I wish Ms. Chapman the best,” Perdue said Monday. “I am committed to running.”