Albany County District Attorney David Soares officially has his first primary challenger this year.

State Assemblyman Phil Steck confirmed to Spectrum News 1 Wednesday that he will seek the Democratic nomination for district attorney. This after the Albany County Democratic Party on Tuesday evening decided not to endorse anyone in the race, and instead host open interviews for interested and qualified candidates.

Soares has been mired in a controversy regarding additional pay he received late last year. He has come under fire after it came out that he paid himself more than $22,000 out of a State Aid-to Prosecution Program, and another $1,500 out of a discovery reform grant.

Soares has defended the legitimacy of the payments, but said this week that he will give the money back.

Soares announced Tuesday that he will still seek reelection to the office he has held since 2005. The election is this year.