MAKANDA, Ill. (WJPF) — A Makanda Democrat says he’ll challenge Republican Mike Bost in the 12th Congressional District.

Ray Lenzi, a retired SIU Associate Chancellor for Economic Development and CEO of the SIU Research Park, says he’ll make a formal announcement Thursday night at 5:00 at the Carbondale Civic Center.

To go up against Bost in November, Lenzi must win the primary first. Joel Funk, of Mascutah, has also announced his intention to seek the democratic nomination.