SAN DIEGO -- Former San Diego County GOP Congressman Brian Bilbray said Thursday he will run for the 50th District seat vacated by Randy "Duke" Cunningham, who resigned earlier this week over a bribery scandal.

"I was urged to run for Congress because of my experience, energy and commitment to serving the people of this district well," Bilbray said. "The seniority that I have will enable me to hit the ground running from day 1."

Flanked by his wife and two of his five children, Bilbray, 54, made the announcement outside a Solana Beach lifeguard station.

Cunningham resigned on Monday after pleading guilty to conspiracy and tax evasion for taking $2.4 million in bribes in return for influencing the awarding of Defense Department contracts.

The eight-term Republican congressman and Vietnam veteran, who was a member of a House of Representatives defense appropriations subcommittee, will face sentencing in February.

Bilbray represented the South Bay's 49th Congressional District from 1995 to 2001. He served on the county Board of Supervisors from 1985 to 1994 and as the mayor of Imperial Beach from 1979 to 1984.

Bilbray said his top priorities, if voters return him to Washington, include securing the border, approving a fiscally balanced federal budget and combating traffic congestion.

"Having served in Congress, I know how the process works. And instead of riding the bench for a few wasteful years, I will be able to utilize my seniority to deliver for the district immediately," Bilbray said. "That means more transportation funds, more dollars for border security, more for the people of the 50th District."

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has about two weeks in which to settle on a date for a special election to fill the vacancy in the 50th District, which includes the cities of Escondido, San Marcos, Carlsbad, Encinitas and parts of San Diego.

Sen. Bill Morrow, R-Oceanside, and former Assemblyman Howard Kaloogian are other Republicans entering the race.

Francine Busby, who lost to Cunningham last year, is running again as a Democratic candidate.