Aug. 2 primary: LaSata, Lindsey battle for new 17th Michigan senate seat

Some are calling the race for the Michigan 17th District Republican Senate primary nod a contest of outsiders.

Both candidates, Sen. Kim LaSata, 59, and Jonathan Lindsey, 37, moved into the newly apportioned district in the southwest border area of the state to qualify, although both have strong ties to the district.

LaSata was from Berrien County's Bainbridge Township, where she lived and represented Michigan 21st District. Her first term ends in December.

Her former Coloma home is now in the state’s new 20th District where incumbent Sen. Aric Nesbitt, a Lawton Republican, also lives. By running in the 17th District, LaSata, who now lives in Niles with her family, avoided a Republican primary race against another incumbent senator.

Lindsey used his father’s Bronson address to qualify. Lindsey and his family purchased a home in Allen Township in Hillsdale County.

Lindsey has strong ties growing up in the Sturgis-Bronson area. He graduated from Yale University with a bachelor's degree in political science. He served eight years in the U.S. Army until 2016, a sergeant in Special Forces. He then lived in the Nashville area and worked worldwide as an executive.

The battle pits incumbent LaSata, who has strong support among current-elected Republicans, against Lindsey, supported by the America First elements of the Republican party.

Former Governor John Engler endorsed LaSata. Former President Donald Trump endorsed Lindsey. He is one of only two Republican state Senate candidates to receive a Trump endorsement along with Mike Detmer of Howell, who is running a strong challenge to incumbent Sen. Lana Theis, a Brighton Republican.

Both candidates and supporters are waging a fierce campaign through the mail with campaign materials arriving daily.

LaSata also is visiting public meetings throughout the new district and knocking on doors to meet the voters.

She is a former teacher with the Lake Michigan Catholic School system. She holds a Bachelor of Science in education and a master’s in literacy studies from Western Michigan University. LaSata served one term in the state House of Representatives from 2017-2018 before running for senate.

She points to her leadership on the senate appropriation committee to reduce auto insurance rates which resulted in a $400 per vehicle refund for Michigan drivers. Endorsed by Michigan Chamber of Commerce, she said she understands spiraling inflation and gas prices are hurting small business and families and will work to get the economy back on track.

"I've secured $2 billion to provide tax cuts for hard-working families and am committed to getting that money returned to taxpayers," she said. "I will continue working to strengthen our economy, cut red tape just like I have already done for small car dealers and craft beverage producers, and ensure our local businesses have the support systems they need to thrive and grow right here in Michigan."

Lindsey's main focus areas also includes getting the state’s economy back on track. But he adds restoring election integrity and limiting government overreach.

"Great economists from the Reagan administration to the Trump administration are supporting my fight to restart Michigan's economic engine, because they know I will bring the same leadership to Michigan that they used to make America great again," he said.

Lindsey wants to secure the state’s election system.

“The radical left is intent on eradicating the liberty that makes Michigan, and America, great. I will defend our God-given, constitutionally protected, rights and eliminate the possibility for further authoritarianism like we have seen under the current Democrat governor," he said.

The new 17th Senate district is considered a strong Republican district, with 88% of the population white and mostly rural. The 2020 census showed 5.3% Hispanic, 5.2% Black and 1.5% Native American.

The lines took in rural areas of western Jackson County, eastern Calhoun County and western Hillsdale County. It covers all of Branch, St. Joseph and Cass counties and the southern half of Berrien County.

The winner faces Democrat Scott Starr of Coldwater in the November general election.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Reporter: LaSata and Lindsey battle for 17th Michigan senate seat