Politicians have forgotten what it's like to live here, at home, in their districts. I haven't. That's why I'm running.
Welcome!
Kiel Reid is a small business owner, community builder, and lifelong West Michigan resident who believes public service should be grounded in real life, not political theater.
Kiel lives in Norton Shores with his wife and their two daughters, who attend Mona Shores Public Schools, just like their mom did before them. This community isn’t just where Kiel works; it’s where he grew up, where he’s raising his family, and where he’s invested his life.
As the owner of The Griffin’s Rest, a neighborhood game store and community space, Kiel has spent years creating a place where people can gather and build friendships. The shop has become something of a local hub – half game store, half community living room – where families, students, and neighbors come together around shared tables. Kiel believes spaces like this matter because strong communities don’t happen by accident; they happen when people have places to belong.
Kiel’s commitment to stable communities is deeply personal. Growing up, Kiel experienced housing instability, moving frequently and never quite knowing how long they would be able to stay in one place. That experience directly affects how he thinks about housing today. Kiel knows firsthand that having a stable home isn’t just about a roof over your head. It’s about security, dignity, and the ability to build a future.
Running a small business has also given Kiel experience with the challenges families and local entrepreneurs face every day: rising costs, unstable infrastructure, housing that’s becoming harder to afford, and systems that feel stacked against regular people. Those experiences are a big part of why he decided to run for the Michigan House of Representatives.
Kiel believes government works best when it listens first. Instead of bringing ideology or drama to Lansing, he wants to bring the perspective of someone who lives the same reality as the people he represents: raising kids, running a business, and trying to build a stable future in the place he calls home.
Kiel listens. And his policy platform reflects the needs he hears from people across the 88th District: making housing attainable for working families, lowering the cost of health care, protecting Michigan’s water, investing in modern infrastructure, and supporting local businesses that form the backbone of our communities.
Kiel isn’t running to be a loud voice in Lansing. He’s running to be a steady one . Someone who shows up, listens to people, and works to solve problems that affect everyday life in West Michigan.
Because this district deserves leadership that’s rooted here.
And a representative who’s ready to show up for the people who call it home.
