COLLINSVILLE — Congressman John Shimkus says he’ll run for another term in the U.S. House.

“It is an honor and privilege to represent the people of the 15th Congressional District in Washington, DC, and I do not take that responsibility lightly,” said the 57-year-old Shimkus upon announcing he intends to seek re-election.

Shimkus cites his experience as a senior member of the House Energy Commerce Committee as evidence of his accomplishments. He’s also had two bills passed through the U.S. House.

“The process starts very early in Illinois,” Shimkus, a Republic, noted.  “Beginning Sept. 1, petitions can be passed in order to gain placement on the March primary ballot.”

In his announcement, the congressman reaffirmed his support for the pro-life movement, Second Amendment rights, and local natural resources like coal and oil.

Shimkus was first elected in 1996, in part on a platform that included term limits. He pledged to only serve 12 years in Congress, but later said it was a mistake to make such a promise.