He was state senator for the 17th district, which consists of all of Monroe, southern Washtenaw, and eastern Jackson counties, having taken office on January 1, 2007.

In his final term, he became the Majority Floor Leader, which is the second highest-ranking member of the House, consisting of 110 representatives from throughout the state.

Richardville's main focus throughout his senatorial campaign, as it has been throughout his political career, was increasing jobs and the economy, health care and benefits for senior citizens, and education.

On August 8, he won the district's primary election for the Republican Party nomination, defeating Milan mayor Owen Diaz.

Upon winning the election, he vowed to uphold his campaign promises to address the state's growing economic crisis.