After nearly 16 years in office, Jim Tomes was actually not going to run again.
Republican Brandi Durham Pugh had registered to run prior to Tomes’ decision to run for a fifth term. She said previously this did affect her decision to run at this time, but opted to stay in the race.
Tomes will go on to face Democrat Cindi Clayton in November. He prides himself on one-one one assistance for residents and direct communication. He says lowering utility bills is a big priority.
“Everybody is fighting with these utility bills, their electric bills are just killing them, so that's a priority,” he said. “I want to get something done that gives relief for our citizens on their electric bills.”
He said he recently had a productive meeting with the CEO and other executives of CenterPoint Energy.
Recent legislation includes topics such as urban micro farming, veterans benefits and capital punishment.
WNIN will produce a feature focusing on both Clayton and Tomes prior to the November General Election.