FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Contact: info@seancarlsonforsenate.com

Oakland County Deputy Executive and former longtime Huron Valley School Board President pledges to bring proven leadership to Lansing 

COMMERCE TWP, Mich. - Today, Sean Carlson, a veteran, public servant, and lifelong Michigander, officially announced his candidacy for Senate district 13 in Oakland County. The newly drawn competitive district, which includes West Bloomfield Township, Commerce Township, Lyon Township, Milford Township, Keego Harbor, Orchard Lake, South Lyon, Sylvan Lake, Walled Lake, Wixom, Village of Milford, and portions of Waterford Township and Novi, is now an open seat following Senator Rosemary Bayer’s recent decision to retire and not seek re-election.

"I'm running for state Senate to fight for you,” said Carlson. “My priorities are clear: a strong middle class, better pay for public school teachers, comprehensive support for our veterans, safeguarding our water quality and helping small businesses grow. We are at a pivotal moment in Michigan, and this is the time for proven leaders."

“From an early age, I witnessed the impact of community service firsthand,” Carlson continued.  “My father’s dedication as a mayor and public school teacher, and my mother’s role as a Sunday school teacher shaped my understanding of what it means to serve a community with compassion, consistency, and purpose.”  

Carlson has dedicated his career to service, beginning at age 17 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army and later as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force.  Carlson retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2014 as a Lieutenant Colonel.  His resume of service spans nearly four decades and includes state and local government as well as 14 years on the Huron Valley School Board. 

Carlson currently serves as an Oakland County Deputy Executive, where he focuses on modernizing services, balancing budgets, supporting community small businesses, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently so that government works effectively.

Prior to his work for Oakland County, he was the Executive Director of the Michigan Defense Center. There he helped develop the state’s Protect & Grow initiative, attracting new Department of Defense investments and helping small businesses break into the defense sector. 

Carlson also served as Vice President of International Trade at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and previously as Senior Deputy Director at the Michigan Department of Management & Budget. There, he led reforms that saved taxpayers over $250 million in government contracts.

Carlson and his wife, Nicole, live in Commerce Township, where they raised their two children, Leana and Caiden.

To learn more about Sean Carlson’s campaign or to get involved, visit seancarlsonforsenate.com

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