Anchorage Rep. Mia Costello is nearly, almost, pretty well decided that she’ll be running against Hollis French for his Senate seat, depending of course, on what the new districts in the ongoing redistricting imbroglio plays out, she said.

If the district holds, it’ll be a tough race for French, who is one of the most outspoken Democrats in the Legislature. Republicans have been eyeing his West Anchorage seat for years and paid special attention to his district during redistricting. Had they chosen a better candidate last election cycle, they might have had it. As is it was, Bob Bell, who was Alaska Republican Party Chairman Randy Ruedrich’s pick, turned out to be all kinds of problematic.

Costello has been in has been a state rep since 2011. She’s a Harvard grad, and the first Alaskan to qualify to try out for Olympic swimming in 1988. Her husband was the second Alaskan. She’s well liked in her district, where she does really truly live. But she’s not known to be the best fundraiser, a skill that French has down.

The Alaska Support Industry Alliance, the group that supports the oil companies, will hold Costello’s first fundraiser, which will likely set the tone for the race. French, no doubt, will run on repealing the recently passed oil tax break and Costello will defend it and voters, again and as always, will be confused.

Contact Amanda Coyne at amandamcoyne@yahoo.com