Photo is property of the candidate and in no way represents an endorsement by the Department of Defense or Indiana National Guard.

The race for the State Representative District 22 seat will likely be a three-way contest come November.

Warsaw resident Michael L. Stinfer, 34, a registered Republican, has decided to run as an Independent candidate on the ballot. Stinfer, a self-described “loving and fearing man of God,” is also a proud single father, a former United States Marine and a qualified Army Airborne Ranger. Come October, he will have honorably served the United States and the great state of Indiana for 15 years.

Stinfer stated, “I’m running because I believe our community deserves a true conservative; one who has been on the front lines for freedom and our community, to uphold the Constitution. I think we, the people, are ready for positivity and not the usual gridlock that is in Washington, which has now made its way here. Indiana needs another proven, common sense leader who takes us forward and not two steps back.”

To get his name on the November ballot, Stinfer needs approximately 340 signatures on a petition. “I have over 200 signatures now,” he said.

Stinfer has already requested debates between Republican candidate Curt Nisly and Democratic candidate David Kolbe.

With his military background, Stinfer believes he has a unique perspective on what is needed in state government. In 2003, he deployed with 1st Marines in support of the Global War on Terrorism and participated in combat operations for the initial invasion of Iraq. In 2007, Stinfer joined the Indiana Army National Guard where he still focuses and leads long-range surveillance and sniper capabilities. Since joining the National Guard, he has volunteered three times to mobilize for the GWOT for missions to Iraq, Afghanistan and Africa.

Stinfer is a Warsaw Community High School graduate and Grace College alumni. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and is currently continuing his educational goals with Grace College’s Orthopedic and Regulatory Affairs/Quality Management master’s program. He is also seeking a top MBA program in northern Indiana and has studied economics at the Harvard Extension School.

Stinfer and his family attend Warsaw Community Church and, in his free time, he promotes health and wellness to struggling combat veterans with Brotherhood Fitness Syndicate. He has over 11 years active duty service in the military with civilian career backgrounds in the financial and medical device industries.

During this week’s First Friday event, Stinfer plans to be downtown seeking support and meeting the public. Anyone wanting to get involved with the campaign can also send a request to [email protected].