ATHOL — After many years in both local and state politics, Peter Durant is eyeing the Senate seat last held by Anne Gobi.

Durant said he’s running for the seat with the goal of bringing back “common sense” to Beacon Hill, as well as more effectively advocating for the district. With more than a decade in state politics, Durant feels he can enter the role with little to learn, and would be focused on making the necessary connections in the communities in the Worcester and Hampshire District.

“It gives me the experience and gives me unique experience that no other candidate that this race has,” said Durant, a lifelong Spencer resident and avid sportsman.

Durant currently serves as the state representative of the 6th Worcester District, consisting of Precincts 1, 2, 3 and 4A of Charlton, the towns of Dudley and Southbridge, and Spencer’s Precinct 1. After 12 years in this role, he’s decided to throw his hat in the ring for Gobi’s Senate seat, which Gobi resigned from to take a post in the Healey-Driscoll administration as the first director of rural affairs.

Durant will face off against Gardner resident Bruce Chester in the Oct. 10 Republican primary. State Rep. Jon Zlotnik, also of Gardner, is running unopposed for the Democratic nomination.

Prior to serving as state representative, Durant was a member of the Spencer Finance Committee in 1999 and served as chair for three years before being elected to the Spencer Selectboard in 2006. He said these local roles allowed him to better understand the issues. He’s also been part of the state Ways and Means Committee, which he said gives a “direct pipeline” when it comes to budgetary issues.

“It takes a while to get heard — you need to understand how the process works,” Durant said. “It’s that kind of experience that is really necessary.”

With so many communities still reeling from the damage caused by the extensive flooding seen over the summer, Durant said a strong advocate will be needed. He’s had some experience with disaster issues, having worked with Gobi to get funding to replace the Stiles Reservoir Dam, which sits in Spencer and Leicester and was in danger of breaching.

“We helped avoid disaster,” he said. “We helped preserve the body of water.”

Other issues Durant would focus on include getting more local aid to the communities. In addition, he said HD 4420 — a bill that includes a number of changes to existing gun laws with the goal of reducing gun violence — has created a great deal of debate among his constituents.

“I’ve had a massive amount of emails and phone calls and letters to tell us people are absolutely incensed,” Durant said.

Durant also stressed the need for proper spending on illegal immigration in Massachusetts. The state is already spending approximately $45 million per month on programs and housing for migrant and displaced families, and Durant expects this could go as high as $5 billion. At the same time, he said state revenue has been on a downward trend.

While he doesn’t oppose helping those in need, Durant said a close eye should be kept on what is being spent and U.S. citizens must also be taken care of. Durant said he plans to introduce an amendment that would only allow money to be used for the emergency shelter program if it’s for U.S. citizens. When asked if he would support more funding for migrant and displaced families, he said that until he sees the budget plan, he’d lean toward “no.”

“It’s important for us as legislators that we’re asking the difficult questions,” he said, “and making sure our resources are used for our citizens.”

Max Bowen can be reached at 413-930-4074 or at mbowen@recorder.com.