In a press conference Thursday, Washtenaw County Commissioner Michelle Deatrick announced her candidacy for the Michigan State Senate. She seeks to take State Senator Rebekah Warren's 18th District seat, who cannot run again due to term limits. 89.1 WEMU's Lisa Barry talks to Deatrick about her campaign.

Listen to the full interview.

During her time as a Washtenaw County Commissioner, Deatrick has stood for clean air and water, more affordable housing, and better jobs. She feels she would be more effective in fighting for such issues at the state level.

Deatrick also believes there needs to be more of a female presence in state government. Currently, there are only four women in the state Senate, including the sole Democrat, Rebekah Warren.

Ann Arbor resident Anuja Rajendra has also announced plans to run for the 18th District Senate seat.

Non-commercial, fact based reporting is made possible by your financial support. Make your donation to WEMU today to keep your community NPR station thriving.

Like 89.1 WEMU on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

— Lisa Barry is the host of All Things Considered on WEMU. You can contact Lisa at 734.487.3363, on Twitter @LisaWEMU, or email her at lbarryma@emich.edu