Sarah Lynn Lightner is a Republican member of the Michigan House of Representatives, representing the 45th District, which includes portions of Calhoun, Jackson, and Kalamazoo counties. Born on April 15, 1982, in Lansing, she resides in Springport and is married to David Lightner, with whom she has two sons, Eli and Gavin; together they operate a small crop farm, custom hay baling and wrapping business, and deer processing operation. Elected in 2018 to District 65, she shifted to District 45 after redistricting and won reelection in 2022 and 2024. Notable achievements include serving as chair of the House Judiciary Committee and on committees such as Agriculture, Insurance, Finance, and Appropriations , along with prior roles as Jackson County Commissioner and on the Criminal Justice Policy Commission. She is active in community groups like Jackson County Farm Bureau, Springport FFA Alumni and Boosters, and Michigan Works!.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Attended Springport High School and completed the Paralegal Program at Lansing Community College in 2004.
• Professional Background: Worked as a paralegal specializing in criminal defense and family law at Wm. Burt Burleson, PLLC from 2004 to 2015.
• Political Experience: Jackson County Commissioner for the 1st District starting in 2013; appointed by Governor Snyder in 2015 to the Michigan Association of Counties Representative on the Criminal Justice Policy Commission; first elected to the Michigan House in November 2018, defeating opponents with 59.26% of the vote; currently in her third term as of 2024.