State Rep. Dale Righter, R-Mattoon, announced Wednesday that he will be a candidate for the Illinois Senate in next year’s state elections.

“Today I am proud to announce my candidacy for the Senate,” Righter said. “For the past four years I have worked in the Illinois House to be a voice for the citizens of downstate Illinois, and now I want to do the same for you as a senator.”

Righter spoke at the Coles County Courthouse during a series of stops throughout the new 55th District, which was created in redistricting based on the 2000 Census figures.

The new senate district includes Lawrence, Crawford, Clark, Cumberland, Edgar, Coles, Douglas and Piatt counties as well as parts of Champaign, Effingham, Shelby and Wabash counties.

“In my time in the general assembly I have advocated on the issues that are important not only to downstate but to all of Illinois,” Righter said.

Righter also stressed his concern for the people and issues of Charleston.

“Charleston’s economic growth, job retention, and ability to bring new businesses to the area are of large concern to me and my candidacy,” he said.

Righter also stressed the importance of contact with his constituents.

“I will make sure to keep having face-to-face meetings in this age of e-mail and media contact,” Righter said. “There is no replacement for my ability to be able to talk personally with the public whenever it is necessary.”

Righter will continue his tour of the district throughout the week.

In the general assembly, Righter currently serves as the spokesman for the Computer Technology Committee, and is a member of the Financial Institutions, Higher Education, State Government Administration and State Procurement Committees, among others.

Prior to his work in the General Assembly, he worked for the regional narcotics prosecutors of Coles County, the East Central Illinois Task Force and the Charleston law firm of Shick and Tapella.

Righter, 35, was raised in Mattoon and received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Eastern in 1988. He then went on to earn his law degree from the St. Louis University School of Law in 1991.

Righter was appointed to represent the Mattoon district in November of 1998 when the previous representative, Mike Weaver, resigned from the position. In November of 2000 Righter was then reelected.

The 55th senate district has no incumbent and Righter is the only legislator within its boundaries. The new district is comprised of two house districts, 110 and 109.