LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A retired railroad worker has announced a bid for an open seat in the Nebraska Legislature, representing parts of Lincoln and rural Lancaster County.

Rick Vest is seeking the seat held by state Sen. Ken Haar of Malcolm, who is leaving office in January 2017 because of term limits.

Vest retired in January from BNSF Railway, where he worked as an apprentice and later in the company’s general claims department.

Vest earned a degree in human relations from Doane College. He says that, if elected, he would focus on supporting public schools, early childhood development, and the state’s criminal justice and mental health system. Vest is a registered Democrat.

Lincoln attorney Mike Hilgers, a registered Republican, is also seeking the seat.