SPRINGFIELD, IL — Former Waterloo Republican state Senator Paul Schimpf announced Monday his intention to run for Governor of Illinois in the November 2022 election. He says he would be different than incumbent Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker by being transparent.

Schimpf says he’ll be focusing on responsible government, safe communities and free-market principles. He says he doesn’t see a divide between Chicago and downstate as everyone shares the same concerns.

Schimpf served as the 58th District State Senator from 2017 until this year. He did not run for re-election at which time some said was because of plans for a future run for the Governor’s seat. Former State Rep. Terri Bryant of Murphysboro ran and won the 58th district seat in November. Dr. Paul Jacobs won election to Bryant’s seat as the State Representative for the 115th District.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker hasn’t yet announced that he’ll run for a second term.