FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Paige Gehlhausen, Press Secretary
Paige.Gehlhausen@iga.in.gov
317-232-9425
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 9, 2026) — State Sen. Nick McKinley (R-Marion) was sworn in as state senator for Senate District 17 by Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush in the Senate Chamber today. McKinley succeeds former State Sen. Andy Zay, who resigned from his position Thursday, Jan. 8. McKinley will finish the remainder of Zay's term through November 2026, serving Grant, Huntington and Wabash counties.
"I am grateful to be able to step into this role and begin serving our district at the Statehouse," McKinley said. "I am committed to upholding strong, conservative representation in the Senate, and I look forward to doing the job with integrity as I work on legislation that will help move our state forward."
McKinley is a lifelong resident of northern Indiana. He served as an At-Large City Councilman for the City of Marion and is chairman of the Grant County Republican Party.
He holds a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Bethel University in Mishawaka.
McKinley and his family moved to Marion over a decade ago where he opened his own insurance agency.
McKinley began his professional career in information technology, giving him experience in problem solving, management and efficiency. He later became a reserve police officer for the Town of Winona Lake before pursing a full-time career in law enforcement. He graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy and served as a police officer with the South Bend Police Department.
In addition to his public service, McKinley serves as the football stadium announcer for Indiana Wesleyan University and the public address announcer for Marion High School football and boys basketball.
Constituents can contact McKinley by phone at 800-382-9467, by filling out a "Request Assistance" or "Contact Me" form on the IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/McKinley website or by mail at 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204.
Photo Caption: Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush (right) swears State Sen. Nick McKinley (R-Marion) into office during a ceremony in the Indiana Senate Chamber on Monday, Feb. 9.
-30-
State Sen. Nick McKinley (R-Marion) represents Senate District 17,
which includes Grant, Huntington and Wabash counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
