MARSHFIELD, Mass. – Peter Tedeschi, former CEO of Tedeschi Food Shops, announced he would run for Congress next year for the 9th congressional district of Massachusetts, Wicked Local reports. Tedeschi, a Republican, will need to oust Democrat Bill Keating, who currently holds that seat.

Tedeschi wants to “bring pro-growth policies that empower individuals and families to an increasingly polarized national government.”

With a background in computer retail and repair, Tedeschi became CEO of the Tedeschi Food Shops convenience store chain of 200 locations in 2008. In 2015, he guided the chain’s sale to 7-Eleven Inc. Tedschi also served as treasurer and vice chairman of NACS, and as chief strategic officer for the Midwest Retail Group LLC.

For several years, Tedeschi has supported political committees and candidates in his state, making bipartisan financial donations. The Massachusetts 9th congressional district encompasses the entirety of Nantucket, Dukes and Barnstable counties; and parts of Plymouth and Bristol counties, plus Duxbury, Halifax, Hanover Hanson, Kingston, Marshfield, Norwell, Pembroke, Plymouth and Rockland.

NACS works to connect members of Congress with convenience stores through its NACS In Store program, which allows representatives and senators hear industry concerns and interact with the public. Over the summer, Rep. Drew Ferguson (R-GA) dropped by a local RaceTrac store to work the register. For more about the NACS In Store program, click here.