A retired communications executive and former teacher and journalist has announced he is considering a bid for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate.

Charles Schollenberger, 57, Prairie Village, said he would run on a progressive platform of regulatory reform of the financial industry, and national health insurance for all Americans.

He also said he supported federal farm programs “that protect the interests of our state’s farmers and our growing agribusiness industry.”

Schollenberger worked as a reporter for the Kansas City Star, Hutchinson News and Sun Newspapers of Johnson County. He spent more than 10 years in marketing and public relations in the animal pharmaceutical and vaccine industry.

U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., has announced he will not seek another term, and instead will run for governor. U.S. Reps. Jerry Moran and Todd Tiahrt are vying for the Republican nomination for Senate.