SPRINGFIELD — A city teacher announced he will run again for state representative in the 11 th Hampden District, saying the current long-term office holder is not listening to the families he represents.

Johnnie R.S. McKnight announced his plans to run for the seat on Monday. His statement comes three weeks after the municipal elections were decided and kicks off the 2026 election cycle two months before nomination papers are available for candidates.

State Rep. Bud L. Williams, who is half-way through his fifth term in the office, said he plans to run for reelection. He called McKnight’s announcement premature, since nomination papers will not be available until Feb. 10.

“Bud Williams has become a politician who’s been in office so long, he’s stopped listening,” McKnight said in

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