DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – State lawmaker Rob Hogg says he’ll announce his Democratic bid for Senate during a three-day tour of the state this week.

The 48-year-old state senator from Cedar Rapids announced Monday that he’ll begin an announcement tour Tuesday in Callender, a central Iowa community of about 350 people. He expects to visit 12 Iowa cities to talk about his plan to run against longtime Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley.

In a news release, Hogg says he’s announcing in Callender to show support for “small towns and rural Iowa.”

Hogg, an attorney, is serving his third term in the Iowa Senate, where he is chairman of the Government Oversight Committee. He previously served in the Iowa House.

Grassley – who recently celebrated his 82nd birthday – will seek a seventh term next year.

As part of Hogg’s Tour he will make stops in Creston, Council Blufss, and Atlantic on Thursday, September 24

• Ottumwa – 9:00 a.m., Ottumwa Public Library, Mary Lemon Room, 102 West 4th Street, in Ottumwa (lower floor of library).
• Creston – Noon, Southwestern Community College, Performing Arts Building – Multipurpose Room (Room 124), 1501 W. Townline Street, in Creston.
• Council Bluffs – 3:00 p.m., Council Bluffs Public Library, Meeting Room D, 400 Willow Avenue, in Council Bluffs.
• Atlantic – 5:00 p.m., Atlantic Public Library, Meeting Room A, 507 Poplar Street, in Atlantic.