Senate District 17

Matt Jones–Democrat

Background: Jones might be new to the race for state senate, but he’s no stranger to politics, having served as state representative for House District 12. But as much as he touts his legislative experience, he says life experience is just as important. Jones is a two-time cancer survivor, which he says taught him strength in the face of adversity, which is a trait he says the state needs.

The issues: Jones says he’s committed to finding bipartisan solutions to the issues facing the state: creating jobs, increasing school funding and working to create a clean-energy sector.

Charlie Plagainos–Republican

plagainos4senate.com

No interview.

Ken Bray–Libertarian

No interview.

YS Endorsement: Matt Jones

Jones is the only candidate in this race to respond to our requests for interviews and while we’re comfortable with his experience (both in life and as a former HD 12 rep), his platform lacked specifics and left us a bit uninspired. This is a race where we would have preferred to weigh some options.