DES MOINES - Ed O’Neill of Clinton, an economic development leader and community volunteer, announced he's running for the Iowa State Senate.

O’Neill is running to replace State Senator Roger Stewart, who is not seeking re-election for the District 13 seat.

“I will be an energetic, honest voice working to ensure that the working people in Eastern Iowa get their fair share,” O’Neill said. “For too long, big corporations and the special interests have been getting too much attention from our leaders in Des Moines and Washington, D.C. I’m going to stand up and fight to ensure that working Iowans have access to better jobs, better schools, better health care and better opportunities.”

O’Neill, a Democrat, worked in eastern Iowan and western Illinois for many years, including working for the Clinton Regional Development Corporation, where he focuses his energy on the creation and retention of high-wage jobs. He also previously was as a small business owner, police officer, and a finance and lease manager.

O’Neill also previously served as a member of the Clinton City Council and Hancock County (Illinois) Board of Supervisors. He has been active in various community activities, including serving as a board member of the Prince of Peace Academy School Board and attending Prince of Peace Catholic Church.

Senate District 13 covers all of Jackson County; the northern half of Clinton County, including the city of Clinton; and part of southern Dubuque County.