Lake County Republican Party Chairman Dan Dernulc has announced he intends to seek the Republican nomination for the state Senate Dist. 1 seat.

The district 1 was redrawn recently to force Sen. Frank Mrvan, D-Hammond, into Dist. 2, which is held by Sen. Lonnie Randolph, D-East Chicago.

If Mrvan wanted to run for office again, he’d have to run against Randolph or move into the new district, which is no longer in Hammond.

The new Senate district maps moved Hammond into Dist. 2 while Dist. 1 now extends from Highland south into Griffith, Schererville and into St. John. Dist. 1 also no longer includes Munster.

In a statement, Dernulc, of Highland, said he decided to seek the nomination “for the newly drawn” seat after receiving “encouragement and support of friends, other elected officials, and (his) wife, Cindy.”

Dernulc also serves on the Lake County Council for Dist. 4, which represents Munster, Highland, Schererville, Dyer and St. John. He was first elected to the council in 2010, according to his statement and is a former member of the Highland Town Council.

During his time on the county council, Dernluc has “created the first-ever strategic plan for the county and has a voting record of saving taxpayer dollars,” according to his statement.

“Throughout his tenure on the County Council, Dernulc has focused on fiscal responsibility, providing professional and accountable government service, and supporting private job creation and increased home values. He has a history of working collaboratively across party lines and with the municipal government units within District 4,” according to the statement.

Dernulc has previously also served on the Little Calumet River Basin Development Commission, according to the statement.

He and his wife have four children and three grandchildren, according to the statement.