WASHINGTON (AP) - Republican Patrick Mara says he's running for an at-large seat on the D.C. Council in next year's special election.

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Mara made the announcement on NewsChannel 8's "NewsTalk" program Wednesday morning. Democrats outnumber Republicans 11-to-1 in the District of Columbia.

There hasn't been a Republican on the council since Mara defeated incumbent Republican Carol Schwartz in a primary in 2008. He later lost in the general election.

Mara also ran for an open at-large seat in a 2011 special election and finished second in a nine-person race. He is an elected member of the D.C. State Board of Education.

Mara says the council has been so distracted by ethical scandals that there has been little talk about education. He says his top priority would be improving schools.