State Sen. Josh Green, a Democrat who represents Kona and Kau in the Hawaii Legislature, says he’ll run for lieutenant governor if the current occupant opts not to seek re-election in 2018.

“I’m keeping that option open,” said Green, the Hawaii Tribune-Herald reports.

Green, the newspaper said, had $527,956 in campaign cash as of June 30, money that could be used to run for LG or governor but not for the U.S. Congress.

Green said he is not “gunning” to replace David Ige in two years — unless Ige does not perform well.

As Civil Beat reported last month, there is talk that former U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa may challenge Ige, a rumor that Hanabusa declined to respond to.

For now, the lawmaker, a medical doctor who has served for 12 years total in both the Senate and House of Representatives, said he may seek the LG position if Shan Tsutsui decides not to run.

Formerly head of the Senate Health Committee, Green is now serving as majority floor leader and whip.

Ige, one year into his first term, has said that he will seek a second and final term.