He previously served as the Assistant Minority Leader during his first term in the Michigan Senate (2007–2010). Prior to being elected to the Michigan Senate, he served in the Michigan House of Representatives (2003–2006) where he was the Minority Whip (2005–2006).
He had previously held a similar position as Deputy Minority Leader during his first term in the Michigan Senate (2007–2010). Before being elected to the Michigan Senate, he served in the Michigan House of Representatives (2003–2006) where he was the Minority Party Leader (2005–2006).