Columbus City Councilwoman Charleta B. Tavares has entered the 15th Senate District race, setting up a likely Democratic primary in the contest to replace Sen. Ray Miller, who is leaving at the end of 2010 because of term limits.

Miller, D-Columbus, a 23-year legislative veteran, is backing Tavares, who previously served more than five years in the Ohio House and has been a member of the City Council since 1999.

"My experience at the local level will enable me to take my skills and knowledge to the state in order to develop policy that meets the needs of Ohio's cities, towns and villages and the people we serve," Tavares said.

Oyango Snell, a 33-year-old lawyer and political newcomer, is already in the race.

He worked years ago in the Statehouse as an intern for lawmakers, including Miller. He also worked for the law firm of Bricker & Eckler and was director of governmental affairs for the Ohio consumers' counsel.

Tavares, 54, notes that she would become the first black woman to be elected to the Senate from Franklin County.

jsiegel@dispatch.com