Former Frisco Mayor Kathy Seei has announced that she will challenge longtime U.S. Rep. Ralph Hall in the 2008 Republican primary.

Ms. Seei, mayor from 1996 to 2002, said some people will be surprised she's taking on Mr. Hall in District 4, which stretches from Collin County into northeast Texas.

"Political savvy would tell you not to do that," she said Monday. "But I have a very strong sense this is the year I'm supposed to run. For the last three years, I've had a lot of encouragement to run."

Ms. Seei, 57, didn't criticize Mr. Hall's record during an interview Monday afternoon.

"This is more about me and my desire to serve than anything about Congressman Hall," she said.

Mr. Hall, 83, said he was confident he would win re-election.

"I have real good support in Collin County," he said. "She'll have some support. She's a nice lady, and she was a good mayor."

On her Web site, Ms. Seei touts her experience as Frisco mayor during a period of breakneck growth. In 2002, she could not run again because of term limits.

"I have a pattern in my life of being called to lead organizations during difficult times," she said.

Mr. Hall of Rockwall said he was surprised Ms. Seei was opposing him and didn't know her campaign issues.

"She'll have some issues," he said. "Whatever they are, we'll discuss them."

Mr. Hall was a Democrat until switching parties in 2004. People have wondered for years when he will decide not to seek re-election.

"I like what I'm doing," he said. "I want to go ahead and finish it."

After serving as Frisco mayor, Ms. Seei formed a business called SEEI3, which helps small North Texas towns prepare for growth. Her clients have included Prosper, Pottsboro and Gunter.

Ms. Seei serves on the board of the Arts of Collin County Foundation, the fundraising arm for the $85 million Collin County arts hall scheduled for construction in Allen.

The 4th Congressional District includes Bowie, Camp, Delta, Fannin, Franklin, Grayson, Hopkins, Hunt, Lamar, Morris, Rains, Red River, Rockwall and parts of Collin and Cass counties.