Gretchen Whitmer has her first challenger.

Larry Ward, a Williamston Republican, announced Wednesday he’s taking on East Lansing’s Whitmer, hoping to capture the 70th district state House seat.

“I have 18 years worth of experience in real working situations,” said Ward, a 40-year-old financial services associate who announced his candidacy at an MSU College Republicans meeting.

The official filing deadline for candidates is still months away and as a result, Whitmer, like many incumbents, has yet to begin her re-election campaign. But the MSU alumna will seek re-election, even though she’ll be tending to a new baby during campaign season. She’s due to deliver in five weeks.

Whitmer said her main priorities remain the same. She continues to focus on promoting same-day voter registration, which is aimed at getting more students to vote.

Whitmer, 30, also said she continues to push for increased higher education funding, but this year saw a severe state budget deficit squelch any hopes of university funding boosts.

Ward, too, is focusing on higher education - looking for ways to lower tuition. That could be tough, with the economy and lack of state funds forcing universities to raise tuition rates.

The 70th district seat tends not to favor Republicans, mostly because it includes plenty of college students, who traditionally vote Democrat.

And Whitmer has a strong base in Meridian Township and Ingham County, said Ed Sarpolus, vice president of Lansing-based polling firm EPIC/MRA.

“He’ll have to convince them she’s not doing her job,” Sarpolus said.

Whitmer won the seat in November 2000 by cruising past businessman Bill Hollister, who says Ward has an uphill battle.