Loami, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – There’s at least one candidate looking to become a State Senator for the Springfield area.

Steven Lambert, the mayor of Loami, says he is running for the 54th State Senate District in Illinois.  The seat at the Capitol is currently held by Republican incumbent Steve McClure.  Lambert says he will formally kick off his campaign Wednesday with a “listening tour” starting at 6 p.m. at the Townhall Pub.

According to his campaign website, Lambert “has modernized village operations, improved public safety, and maintained balanced budgets. Under his leadership, the village has invested in law enforcement, public works, and resurrected public parks” as mayor.

He’s also a volunteer firefighter, and worked in higher education before becoming mayor.

It is not clear if McClure, who took the seat in 2023, will seek another term, or if any other candidates will run in next year’s primary.  McClure, after winning his party’s primary in 2022, ran unopposed in the general election, according to records.

Lambert says he is running as an independent.