URBANA, Ill. - U.S. Rep. Timothy V. Johnson announced his candidacy for a sixth term in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Rep. Johnson, a Republican from Urbana, has served the 15th Congressional District in Congress since 2001.

A member of the House Agriculture Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Rep. Johnson plays a pivotal role in helping shape the nation's policies on issues of critical importance to Central Illinois and the Midwest.

A former Illinois state representative and former Urbana alderman, Rep. Johnson's career in public service spans more than 40 years.

"I consider myself fortunate that the people of Illinois continue to express their faith in me with their votes. I will continue to endeavor to earn their support as best as I know how," Rep. Johnson said. "We are in an era where our ideologies and beliefs are being tested as never before in my lifetime. This Congress has authorized spending in the trillions of dollars and is poised to do more, in areas that I think government has no business in."

"I pledge to use my votes and my voice to fight for smaller government, for more efficient government that rewards people for their labors and allows them to enjoy the liberties promised by our Constitution," he said.

"And as always, I plan to continue the tradition of my office in serving the individual needs of my constituents as they encounter personal difficulties with the bureaucracy of our federal government. I take no greater pride in anything I do than being able to help a widow get her Social Security check or a veteran get the medical care he or she deserves."

"I thank the citizens of the 15th Congressional District for the support they've shown me over the years," he concluded. "I believe I have the experience, energy, values and knowledge to serve them well into the future."