Illinois Democratic Rep. Dan Lipinski is facing a potential primary challenge from the left in next year’s election.

Marie Newman, a marketing consultant from La Grange, told Crain’s Chicago that she formed an exploratory committee to look into running in the 3rd Congressional District against Lipinski.

Newman’s challenge would come on Lipinski’s left flank.

“People need to have someone who represents their values,” she said. “It’s clear they feel Mr. Lipinski is out of touch.”

Newman told Crain’s that Lipinski ignores small businesses and accepts donations from PACs and lobbyists.

Lipinski is more socially conservative than most Democrats. He was the only Illinois Democrat to vote against the 2010 health care law, citing its provisions regarding abortion. 

The 3rd District, which covers much of southwestern Chicago, tends to be more socially conservative on social issues abortion than others.

While the district votes for Democrats, it doesn’t do so in as nearly as large margins as other Chicagoland districts. President Barack Obama, a favorite son of Illinois, won the district with 56 percent of the vote in 2012.

Lipinski was elected in 2004, succeeding his father, Bill Lipinski, who served six terms.