Yesterday, former state Senator, Tom Butler, made public his intent to reclaim the state Senate seat he held from 1994-2010. “Being a public servant is my calling. I am ready to go back to work for District 2,” said Butler.

Before his tenure as Senator, Butler served in the Alabama House for 12 years. Butler’s campaign announcement says he was “Recognized as one of Alabama’s outstanding legislators” and points to the fact that he helped recruit businesses like Navistar, Boeing, Menasha, Toyota, and Steelcase.

Butler is a registered pharmacist, with degrees from Auburn University and the University of Alabama.

As part of his campaign, Butler says his previous service in the Senate establishes his record, which includes working to ensure that schools are adequately funded, supporting legislation that improves infrastructure, and being an advocate for the National Space Sciences and Technology Center in Huntsville.

The Republican primary will take place June 2, 2018. Candidates in that race will be working to fill the seat currently held by Bill Holtzclaw, who is leaving to run for Congress.