Jason Simmons has announced his intent to seek the office of Butler County Circuit Clerk.

Simmons will run as a Democrat.

“The people of Butler County have been so good to me and my family, and I feel like this office will give me the chance to reach out and help others,” Simmons said.

Simmons, a partner at Simons & Simmons Attorneys at Law, is seeking elected office for the first time.

“I’ve never considered myself very political,” he said. “But this is something that since early this summer I have felt like God was leading me to do.”

Simmons said he feels his experience as an attorney uniquely qualifies him to fill the void that will be left by the retirement of Allen Stephenson, who has held the office for 17 years.

“I feel like my experience sets me apart,” Simmons said. “While I won’t be able to be a practicing attorney, I will be able to help point people in the right direction. Also, I can speak intelligently about the law and have an understanding of the things that need to be accomplished to help the office run as smoothly as possible.”

Simmons also serves as the children’s pastor at First Assembly of God. He is married to Ashley Jones Simmons. The couple has three children.