Republican Bill Van Gerpen of Tyndall will be the new Senator from District 19. He defeated longtime democratic legislator Frank Kloucek of Scotland. Van Gerpen says education, especially in rural areas is a major concern to him.
Van Gerpen says more economic development in rural areas is also a priority.
Van Gerpen says he would like the legislature to find some agreements on goals for educating young people.
Van Gerpen has served previously in the state house.
