Adam Stockford is currently Hillsdale’s mayor. Courtesy | Facebook

College President Larry Arnn endorsed City of Hillsdale Mayor Adam Stockford ’15 for state representative of the 35th District earlier this month. 

“He wants the city to grow, its people to be safe and free,” Arnn said. “He has done well.”

Stockford said he is humbled and honored to receive Arnn’s endorsement.

“His support means the world to me,” Stockford said. “He’s always been somebody I’ve looked up to and somebody I would turn to if I needed guidance or advice.” 

Stockford, a Republican, said he grew up in Hillsdale but never considered attending Hillsdale College until he read Arnn’s book “The Founders’ Key.” 

“Dr. Arnn’s book was a huge motivating factor for me to want to get involved in government at all,” he said. “It’s probably one of the two or three biggest things that encouraged me to be active in any level of politics.” 

Arnn said he thinks Stockford is a good mayor with good principles. 

“He is a good man, and I wish him the best,” he said.

Stockford said Arnn’s book encouraged him to go into politics. 

“A big reason I pursued going to Hillsdale College was because of Dr. Arnn,” he said. “He’s one of the most influential academic minds of our generation.”

The seat is open because Andrew Fink ’06 is leaving to run for the Michigan Supreme Court. 

Stockford has also been endorsed by local business owner Steve Meckley, Republican state Sen. Jonathan Lindsey, Republican state Sen. Jim Runestad, Republican state Rep. Jim Desana, and Michigan Republican Committeewoman Hima Kolanagireddy.

Stockford is running in the Republican primary against Branch County Commissioner Tom Matthew and former Quincy school board member Jen Wortz. The primary will take place Aug. 6. Stockford ran in 2020 but was defeated by Fink. 

“We’re being endorsed by the best and strongest conservatives in the state of Michigan,” Stockford said. “Without a doubt there’s a reason for that.”

Senior Caleb Fournet said he loves to see alumni go into public service.

“It’s good that our college leaders, like Dr. Arnn, are vocal about supporting candidates who they think will promote the values instilled in us here at the college,” he said. 

Stockford said if he wins, he is willing to do things for the people of Michigan that will ensure citizens have more liberty and a better standard of living. 

“We’re really excited,” he said. “We’ve already got an army of conservative warriors behind us. I think that’s what Hillsdale would want and expect. They want their representatives to be strong and bold.”