EAST HAVEN, Conn. >> A former professional wrestler who once grappled with the likes of Hulk Hogan is now running for a state representative seat in Connecticut.

The New Haven Register reports Steve Tracey on Wednesday announced his bid for a seat representing East Haven after town Councilor Vincent Spaduzzi withdrew from the race earlier this month.

Tracey hung up his boots and tights more than 25 years ago, but for five years he was known as “Dave Paradise” in the then-World Wrestling Federation.

Now, Tracey is challenging incumbent state Rep. James Albis, a Democrat, for the seat. Tracey, who’s running as a Republican, owns three local businesses and has lived in East Haven for 17 years.

Tracey says he’s running because he cares about the town’s residents.