ILLINOIS — Democratic Party chairs have selected a Vandalia man to run against the Republican nominee for Illinois Senate in the 54th District – a seat currently held by Republican Kyle McCarter who did not run for reelection.

Brian Stout must now collect 1,000 valid signatures from voters in the 54th District by the June 4 deadline in order to be included on the November general election ballot. He will face Republican Jason Plummer in the general election.

Stout is a lifelong resident of the 54th District, which includes the counties of Bond, Clinton, Effingham, Fayette, Madison, Marion, St. Clair, and Washington.

Stout started his own insurance adjustment company at age 25, which eventually grew to 22 locations before selling it to a few of his employees.

He recently obtained an MBA from Greenville University in Greenville, Ill., which he earned while working full time.

In addition to serving as president of the Vandalia Park District and Airport, Stout is also president of his local Rotary Club chapter and conducts several charity auctions each year.

Stout says he’s honored to accept the nomination to run for state senate, adding that as a small business owner who has been active in his local community, he’s seen first hand how middle-class families are struggling to get ahead.

He says there are real challenges ahead to undo the damage Bruce Rauner has done to the state and local economies. And it’s time to elect a new state senator who values public service over self-service.