Sandra Spaulding Hughes will replace Thomas Wright in the state House.

The former Wilmington city councilwoman was named Thurday as the new representative in District 18, taking the place of Wright, who was expelled last month, reports the Wilmington Star-News.

The decision was made by a group of Democratic Party members from the district.

"I am elated," Hughes told the paper. "The community is now going to say we have someone in the position."

She was one of five candidates for the position, including former Wilmington Mayor Harper Peterson and chef and community activist Hollis Briggs.

Hughes and Briggs will face off again in the May primary. 

A former Wilmington City Council member will oppose Rep. Thomas Wright.

Sandra Spaulding Hughes, a retired home economics teacher, said in a press release that she will file for the Democratic nomination in District 18 this week.

Hughes served on the city council from 1999 through 2003. She currently works in community affairs and serves as an educational and parent empowerment consultant.

According to the Wilmington Star-News, Republican attorney Thom Goolsby, Democratic chef Hollis Briggs and Wright's former Republican opponent (now a Democrat) Frankie Roberts have also said they are interested in the race.

The state House is considering expelling Wright for eight charges of misconduct. An attorney for Wright has said that he does not plan to resign and will file for re-election.