A well-known Westport attorney and town volunteer is joining the tight Eighth Bristol representative race to succeed outgoing Democrat Paul Schmid, who is not seeking another term.

Christopher Thrasher, a Westport School Committee member who currently serves as chairman of the Long Term Building Reuse Committee and also sits on the finance and economic development committees, said Thursday that he decided to enter the race as an unenrolled Republican because the district “needs a voice that will be heard in the State House.”

The eighth district covers Westport, Acushnet, Freetown, New Bedford and Fall River.

“The issues affecting our towns are shaped by policies made at the state level,” Thrasher said. “All too often these decisions burden our local governments with unfunded mandates using outdated funding formulas. I know what it takes to be an effective legislator, and I am committed to working with the leadership of both parties to bring positive results.”

Thrasher has competition for the post, with five other hopefuls running for the seat including:

• Manny Soares, an Independent who serves on the Westport select and planning boards;

• Select board member Steven J. Ouellette, a Democrat;

• Laura Hadley, an Independent from Westport;

• Republican Gabriel Amaral of Fall River;

• And Jesse W. St. Gelais, an Independent out of Acushnet.

As an unenrolled candidate running on the Republican line, Thrasher must secure at least 150 write-in votes in the September 3rd statewide Republican primary to earn a spot on the general election ballot.

“With the recent deadlock at the end of the legislative session, we’ve seen firsthand the pitfalls of one-party rule on Beacon Hill,” Thrasher said. “I’m asking Republicans who are frustrated with the status quo to write in my name ... and for the support of all voters in the eighth District as we work together to ensure that every one of our communities are truly represented in the General Court.”