And then there were four, and counting.

The Republican race for secretary of state will have four announced candidates as of today, as two former legislators enter the fray.

Evan Frasure of Pocatello will make his candidacy official this morning with an announcement on the steps of the Bannock County Courthouse. Frasure is listing endorsements from several legislators — including Senate Majority Leader Bart Davis of Idaho Falls.

Frasure ran for secretary of state in 2002, losing in the Republican primary to Ben Ysursa. But Ysursa is stepping down after three terms, creating a crowded race for the open post.

Meanwhile, former state Sen. Mitch Toryanski will also launch his bid Thursday with an announcement at the Statehouse. According to Betsy Russell of the Spokane Spokesman-Review, Toryanski is listing Freda Cenarussa, the widow of longtime Secretary of State Pete Cenarussa, as his honorary campaign chairwoman.

Frasure and Toryanski join state Rep. Lawerence Denney of Midvale and deputy Ada County Clerk Phil McGrane in the May 20 GOP primary.

State Reps. Luke Malek, R-Coeur d’Alene, and Holli Woodings, D-Boise, are also considering the race.

The secretary of state is Idaho’s chief elections official. But with the office comes one of five seats on the state Land Board, which sets endowment policies for K-12 and other beneficiaries.