VanderWall to run for State Senate; will not seek House re-election.

Curt VanderWall

VanderWall to run for State Senate; will not seek House re-election.

#Election18

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief.

LUDINGTON — State Representative Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington) has announced today that he is going to seek the Republican nomination for the 35th State Senate District. The district includes Mason and Manistee counties, along with 10 other counties, and is currently represented by Darwin Booher (R-Evart) who will be stepping down at the end of the year due to term limits.

Former 101st House District Representative Ray Franz of Onekama and former 103rd House District Representative Bruce Rendon of Lake City have also both announced their candidacy for the Republican nomination. During the August 7 primary election, voters will chose who will be on the November ballot.

VanderWall, the former chairman of the Mason County Board of Commissioners and Ludington area business owner, was elected to the 101st District in 2016.

“I am running for Senate because I believe we need somebody in that position who is young and aggressive and someone who can maneuver the district,” VanderWall said of the reason he has chosen to not seek re-election in the House seat and pursue the Senate position. “I believe as a current business owner I have what it takes to keep the state of Michigan moving in a positive direction.”

“I believe we can take it to the next level for the constituents. I am currently very accessible to the people in the 101st House District and I plan on being just as accessible to the people in the 35th Senate District. I am that guy who people can talk to. It’s what it’s going to take to run a district that big,” he said about the 12 county district.

The 101st House District includes Mason, Manistee, Benzie, and Leelanau counties. The 35th State Senate District includes Benzie, Crawford, Kalkaska, Lake, Leelanau, Manistee, Mason, Missaukee, Ogemaw, Osceola, Roscommon, Wexford counties.

VanderWall said on Feb. 26 he plans to start traveling the senate district and interviewing with local media.

“I am excited about this move,” he said.

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