Jim Runestad is a Republican state senator representing Michigan's 23rd Senate District, which covers part of western Oakland County, with residence in White Lake. Born on March 1, 1959, in Flint, he is married to Kathy and has five children: Joel, Justin, Lena, Lee, and Kayla. A foster parent and community volunteer, Runestad has focused on protecting vulnerable populations, fighting government fraud, and reforming child welfare systems. Notable achievements include leading child abuse investigation reforms, passing laws against felons taking bribes, establishing statewide foster care standards, and supporting the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative to end race-based preferences in government and education.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Education with concentrations in History, Economics, and Politics from Central Michigan University.
• Professional Background: Owned and operated Runestad Financial Associates since 2004; worked with at-risk students.
• Political Experience:
  • Michigan State Senate, District 23 .
  • Michigan House of Representatives, District 44 , Chair of House Judiciary Committee.
  • Oakland County Commissioner , Chair of Public Services and Planning & Building Committees.
• Current Positions: Assistant Republican Caucus Chair; ranking Republican and Minority Vice Chair on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety Committee; member of Health Policy Committee and Joint Committee on Administrative Rules.
• Past Committee Roles: Senate Finance Committee Chair; House Judiciary Committee Chair; Senate committees including Appropriations, Families/Seniors/Veterans, Judiciary/Public Safety, Education/Career Readiness.