(UNDATED) – Two individuals are seeking the Republican nomination in the August 2 Primary election to serve the newly created 17th Michigan State Senate District.

Incumbent 21st District State Senator Kim LaSata is being challenged by Jonathan Lindsey for their party’s nomination.

During a Meet the Candidates forum hosted this Spring by the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce and the Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce, Lindsey shared why he is running for office. ...... {LISTEN}.

One of the questions asked to Lindsey that night was what he considered to be the top two priorities Legislators need to focus on in the upcoming session. While he said the State’s economy needed to be the top item always, Lindsey shared the two items he considered to be of most importance. ...... {LISTEN}.

Lindsey is a native of Branch County and a graduate of Bronson High School. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Yale University in Political Science, and then spent seven years in the United States Army as a Green Beret. After leaving the Army, Lindsey worked as an executive in the private sector.

The newly created 17th Michigan State Senate District consists of all of St. Joseph, Branch and Cass Counties, along with portions of Berrien, Calhoun, Hillsdale and Jackson Counties.