In 2022, Sen. Jim Runestad was elected to his second term in the Michigan Senate, representing part of western Oakland County.
Sen. Runestad is committed to looking out for the most vulnerable, fighting fraud and corruption in government and defending families in the 23rd Senate District to the best of his abilities.
Sen. Runestad has been appointed by his colleagues to serve as the assistant Republican caucus chair. He has previously served as chairman of the Finance Committee and as a member of the Families, Seniors, and Veterans Committee, Appropriations Committee, Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, and Education and Career Readiness Committee.
Prior to joining the Senate, Rep. Runestad served four years in the Michigan House of Representatives, representing the former 44th District and serving as chair of the House Judiciary Committee.
Before his time in the Legislature, he spent three terms as an Oakland County commissioner, where he was chairman of both the Public Services Committee and Planning and Building Committee.
Rep. Runestad earned a Bachelor’s Degree in education from Central Michigan University with a concentration in history, economics, and politics.