Christopher Reynolds has announced his campaign for Michigan House of Representatives in District 108. He was previously aiming for a seat in the Michigan Senate. (Courtesy photo)

ESCANABA — Christopher Reynolds of Rock has ended his bid for Michigan’s 38th Senate District seat and will instead run for the Michigan House of Representatives in District 108.

“This decision did not come lightly,” Reynolds wrote in a news release. “Over the past several weeks, I have been approached by numerous residents and local leaders who shared their hopes and belief that my voice and experience would best serve our communities at the House level. Their encouragement and the thoughtful discussions that followed played a significant role in guiding my decision.”

Reynolds is a Republican, a Christian, husband, father and social studies teacher. He said his campaign will continue to focus on public safety, mental health and schools.

“I believe public safety starts with strong local communities. In the 108th House District, that means fully supporting local law enforcement, fire and EMS, holding violent offenders accountable and respecting local control rather than one-size-fits-all mandates from Lansing.

“Mental health is a critical part of public safety. I support expanding access to care in rural areas, increasing school-based counselors, and improving crisis intervention and substance-abuse services, especially for veterans, first responders, and families in need. There is an opportunity for the U.P. as a whole to reform mental health and make it better for everyone. We shouldn’t be sending our loved ones three to six hours away for treatment,” Reynolds wrote.

When it comes to education, he believes that schools deserve fair funding and that student safety should be a priority.

“I support common-sense school safety measures, local decision-making, and reliable funding for rural districts, including career and technical education. Every child in the 108th District deserves a safe school and a strong education, no matter where they live,” he said.

Reynolds’ background is in law enforcement and education. After serving as a local corrections officer and a sergeant with the Marquette County Sheriff’s Office, he moved into teaching, “a career change that better fit my personality and beliefs,” he said.

“I have been working within local schools as a teacher and coach and have really learned that more needs to be done to support our teachers, staff and especially our students,” Reynolds explained.

If elected in the 108th District, Reynolds would take over the seat now held by Dave Prestin, R-Cedar River, who is running for state Senate instead of seeking reelection. The 108th House district includes all of Delta, Luce, Menominee and Schoolcraft counties, as well as parts of Chippewa and Mackinac counties.

“I believe this role allows me to better serve our communities in a more direct and hands-on way, and to be an effective voice for the values and priorities of our district,” Reynolds said.

The Senate seat he previously had sought covers almost the entire Upper Peninsula, including Alger, Baraga, Delta, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Luce, Marquette, Menominee, Ontonagon and Schoolcraft counties and portions of Chippewa and Mackinac counties. It is now served by Ed McBroom, R-Waucedah Township, who is term-limited from running again.

“Ultimately, I chose the path where I believe I can be most effective for the people of the U.P. My commitment remains the same: to listen, to serve with integrity, and to put our communities above politics,” Reynolds wrote. “I am grateful for the continued support, prayers and trust placed in me. I look forward to the campaign ahead and to working together for a strong future for District 108.”