Rich Lewis, Jr., has announced his intent to seek a seat on the Butler County Commission.

Lewis, who will run as a Democrat, is seeking the District 2 seat. Jesse McWilliams currently holds the seat for District 2.

A 20-year Marine veteran and recipient of the Purple Heart, Lewis believes his experience in the military gives him “unique insight,” which would benefit the county.

“I believe my background in the military and in civic positions qualifies me to serve on the County Commission,” he said. “My experience with government, government officials and government funding gives me insight into the workings of local government.”

After retiring from the Marine Corps, Lewis returned to school and earned a Master’s degree from Alabama State University in 1989. He then began a 20-year career with Easter Seals of Central Alabama where he served as an employment counselor and sign language interpreter. Lewis, who said he served on the Butler County Commission for Economic Development in the mid-to-late 1990s, cited finding and creating jobs in Butler County as a priority should he be elected.

“I’d work to bring more jobs and industry to the county,” he said. “That’s the No. 1 thing I would address.”

Lewis currently operates a cattle farm on Ridge Road and serves as the Director of Diversity for the Montgomery chapter of the Society of Human Resource Management.