TABLE ROCK – Dennis Schaardt of Table Rock announced his candidacy for state Legislature on Tuesday.

Schaardt is a longtime business owner in Table Rock who has served as a Pawnee County commissioner, mayor, city councilman and volunteer fire chief.

In a statement, he said he believes that his campaign should prioritize our state’s spending issues, taxes and protecting life at conception.

Schaardt made his announcement after incumbent state Sen. Julie Slama announced she would not run again. In 2020, Schaardt got 18 percent of the vote against fellow Republicans Slama and Janet Palmtag.

Schaardt has owned Den’s Country Meats for over 30 years.