DU QUOIN, Ill. (AP) – Former Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon is running for State Senate in the 58th District.

Simon made the announcement Monday at the Du Quoin State Fair.

Simon says in a written statement that she’ll “stand up for Southern Illinois families and their jobs.” The former teacher says she’ll also campaign on the issue of funding for education.

Longtime Republican State Sen. Dave Luechtefeld has held the seat since 1995. Luechtefeld, the assistant minority leader since 2003, announced in June that he would not seek re-election in 2016.

Simon served as Lieutenant Governor under former Gov. Pat Quinn, who lost last year to Gov. Bruce Rauner.

Simon made an unsuccessful bid for Comptroller last November, losing to Judy Baar Topinka, who died one month later.

 

 

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.