In November 2014, residents of Michigan’s 16th Senate District first elected Sen. Mike Shirkey, R-Clarklake, to the state Senate, representing Branch, Hillsdale and Jackson counties. Shirkey’s Republican colleagues elected Mike to serve as Senate majority leader for his second term, beginning January 2019.
Shirkey has served as chair of the Senate Health Policy and Michigan Competitiveness committees, and he currently chairs the Government Operations Committee.
Prior to joining the Senate, Shirkey served four years in the Michigan House of Representatives, representing the 65th District.
Shirkey is the founder and owner of Orbitform, a leading engineering company that manufactures forming, fastening, joining and assembly equipment for a wide range of industries and applications. The company provides world-class prototype engineering services for assembly of parts and specialized forming and fastening. Mike also worked for General Motors in various management and engineering roles for 13 years.
Mike is the proud father of three and devoted husband of 42 years to Sue. Mike and Sue also have several grandchildren. He is an active member of the Jackson Free Methodist Church and leads major construction/expansion projects. Mike also enjoys hunting, fishing, golfing and working out. He is an avid woodworker in “grandpa’s workshop.”
