Former Illinois Lt. Governor Sheila Simon, a Democrat, announced her candidacy for State Senate in the 58th District on Labor Day at the Du Quoin State Fair.

“The governor’s priorities are clear — limits on workers’ abilities to make better lives for their families, and cuts for those who are voiceless and vulnerable. By failing to support child care and home services for seniors, the Governor is forcing working people to choose between earning a living and caring for a family member,” said Simon.

Longtime 58th District State Sen. Dave Luechtefeld (R-Okawville) announced earlier this year he will not seek another term in office in 2016. A Republican attorney from Murphysboro, Sharee Langenstein, 44, recently announced her candidacy. Waterloo attorney Paul Schimpf, 44, has also expressed interest in running as a Republican candidate.

Simon, 54, of Carbondale, served as lieutenant governor under Pat Quinn from 2011 to 2015. In 2014, she was the Democratic nominee for state comptroller, losing to Republican Judy Baar Topinka. She is the daughter of former U.S. Senator Paul Simon.

“The governor, who has grown up with wealth and privilege, may not understand us. Or maybe he just doesn’t care,” Simon continued. “I will make sure he hears us.”

Simon pledged to “stand up for Southern Illinois’ families and their jobs, for those among us who are vulnerable, and for our children who often get the short end of the stick when it comes to education funding.”