(AP) — Nebraska state Sen. Annette Dubas is beginning a 12-city campaign kickoff tour in her bid for governor.

The Democratic lawmaker from Fullerton said Sunday that, if elected, she would focus on renewable energy, ways to reduce property taxes, and local economic development.

Dubas announced her bid at her family farm near Fullerton, in a conservative district she has represented for nearly seven years. The 57-year-old mother and grandmother was born in Omaha, but returned to her father’s hometown when she was 16.

Her entry into the governor’s race gives Democrats a rare competitive primary, with the potential to energize the party after several lopsided defeats. Dubas will face fellow Democrat Chuck Hassebrook, a former University of Nebraska Regent who also headed an advocacy group for small towns.