State Rep. Debra Hobbs said Monday she'll run for Arkansas governor, setting up a crowded primary as Republicans seek to take back the state's top office a year after winning control of the Legislature.

Hobbs said she'll formally launch her bid for the state's top office after June 17, but said she's already decided to run. Hobbs is the third Republican to announce a bid for governor next year.

"If I don't like the way things are going, I feel like I need to step up and do something," Hobbs said. "In this case, I feel like what I need to do is run for governor."

Hobbs, 57, has served in the state House since 2009 and hasn't faced a primary or general election opponent for her seat. Hobbs said she hoped to initially raise at least $500,000 for her bid.

Hobbs joins U.S. Rep. Asa Hutchinson and Little Rock businessman Curtis Coleman in seeking the Republican nomination. House Speaker Davy Carter has said he plans to decide in the coming weeks whether to seek the GOP nomination for governor.

Former U.S. Rep. Mike Ross and former Lt. Gov. Bill Halter are seeking the Democratic nomination. Gov. Mike Beebe, a Democrat, is term limited and can't run for re-election next year.