Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon announced Wednesday that she will not be seeking re-election to the office of Lieutenant Governor in 2014.

“Serving as Lieutenant Governor has given me an opportunity to advocate on important issues that affect our state but it is time for me to do even more,” Simon said in a press release. “I want to serve the people of Illinois in a role where I can have an even greater impact.”

Simon, who was elected in 2010, informed Gov. Pat Quinn of her decision in December. She first began her career working for the Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation and later prosecuted domestic violence cases as an assistant states attorney in Jackson County.