Two area men have announced their candidacies for elected office in 2020. Mattoon resident Alex Walker will run for the Republican nomination for Congress from the 15th District. That seat is now being held by John Shimkus who recently announced his intent to not run for re-election. Walker is a conservative six year U.S. Air Force veteran who is a member of the Log Cabin Republicans of Illinois and is their Marketing Officer. Former U.S. Attorney for Southern Illinois Courtney Cox will run for the Republican nomination for 2nd Circuit Judge in the March primary. Cox is a native of Southern Illinois who served as U.S. Attorney beginning in 2007. The 2nd Circuit encompasses Lawrence, Crawford, Edwards, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jefferson, Richland, Wabash, Wayne, and White Counties.