JEFFERSON COUNTY — A Jefferson County businessman has announced he will seek the 115th Illinois statehouse seat in the coming election. Johnnie Smith II of Ashley will look to win the seat being vacated by Terri Bryant.

Smith owns the Spartanville Fuel Station in Waltonville and is a trustee in Blissville Township. He says he wants to stand up for Southern Illinois values in Springfield.

Smith says he won’t vote for another tax increase if elected.

The 115th house district consists of all of Jefferson County, and parts of Washington, Perry, Jackson, and Union counties.