A longtime local legislator is looking to step up to higher office.

Four-term 45th Assembly District Representative Mark Spreitzer announces Wednesday he’s running for Wisconsin’s 15th State Senate District seat held by retiring Senator Janis Ringhand of Evansville.

Spreitzer is the successor to Ringhand in his current Assembly seat, elected to the chamber in 2014.

In a release announcing his candidacy, the Beloit Democrat praises Ringhand as a role model and mentor during his time in the Legislature, adding he is “…grateful for her partnership and leadership in serving our community.”

Spreitzer says that, if elected to the state senate, he will push back against extreme attacks on democracy, help those recovering from the pandemic, and work for equality and fairness for everyone in Wisconsin.