A political newcomer is gunning for a state senate seat in Michiana in 2018.

Linda Rogers, a Republican from Granger, is formally announcing her candidacy for the District 11 Indiana State Senate seat.

The district runs along the Indiana-Michigan border and the Toll Road and stretches down to cover northern Elkhart, all of Granger, northeastern Mishawaka, and South Bend north of Notre Dame.

In a statement, Rogers says she vows to be a fresh face in politics.

“I am not a career politician,” said Rogers. “I have held many titles in my life; wife, mother, teacher and business owner but politician is not one of them. I am running now because I care deeply about our community and believe that a fresh perspective will help to tackle our most difficult issues.”

Rogers operates both the Juday Creek Golf Course and Nugent Builders.

Republican Joe Zakas has held the seat since 1982.