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, Runestad served four years in the Michigan House of Representatives, representing the former 44th District and serving as chair of the House Judiciary Committee. There he led efforts to reform child abuse and neglect investigations to better protect children and passed a law to crack down on felons who took bribes while in government. As a foster parent himself, the senator spearheaded legislation to require foster care quality standards statewide.