Nick McKinley is a Republican member of the Indiana State Senate representing District 17, which serves Grant, Huntington, and Wabash counties. He was appointed to the position by the Indiana Republican Party on February 7, 2026, to replace Andy Zay, and was sworn in on February 9, 2026, by Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush. His current term ends on November 4, 2026, and he is running for re-election. Professionally, McKinley is the owner of an insurance and financial services agency. His previous occupational experience includes roles as a police officer with the South Bend Police Department, a reserve police officer with the Winona Lake Police Department, a business sales representative for ADT Security, and a network administrator or IT manager for Paragon Medical Inc. He is married to Stephanie, and they have six children and three grandchildren. McKinley is an Eagle Scout. His community involvement includes membership and leadership roles with the Greater Grant County Chamber of Commerce, Grant County Rotary, Boys & Girls Club of Grant County, Junior Achievement of Grant County, and Grant County Crime Stoppers. He has also served as a football stadium announcer for Indiana Wesleyan University and a public address announcer for Marion High School.

Education

McKinley earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Business Administration from Bethel University in Mishawaka. He is a Chartered Financial Consultant and holds FINRA Series 6 and 63 certifications. He possesses licenses for Property and Casualty Insurance as well as Life and Health Insurance. He is also Comptia A+ and Network+ Certified. McKinley graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, Class 08-173. His specialized law enforcement training includes certification as a Fatal Crash and Crime Scene Diagrammer, completion of the DEA Basic Narcotics Investigator Course, NASRO Basic SRO Certification, and designation as a Drug Recognition Expert. He is a two-time recipient of a Life Saving Award.

Political Experience

In the Indiana State Senate, McKinley serves on the Standing Committees for Environmental Affairs, Commerce and Technology, Pensions and Labor, and Utilities. Prior to his service in the state senate, he served as Chairman of the Grant County Republican Party. He is a former Councilman and President of the Marion City Council. Additionally, he served as Vice President of the Marion Redevelopment Commission and as a former Executive Board Member of the Grant County Growth Council. He is a former Board President of Grant County Crime Stoppers.