LANSING — State Rep. Aaron Miller (R-Sherman Township) announced that he plans to seek re-election in 2018, and will not run for the 21st District seat in the Michigan Senate.

“I am proud of the work I have been able to do for the constituents of Cass and St. Joseph counties,” Miller said. “I want to continue that work for a third term,”

Despite months of weighing a possible run for the senate seat, which will be open in 2018 due to term limits on current office hold John Proos, and after many discussions with family and deliberations of his own, Miller believes that the decision is ultimately for the best..

“Time is valuable and I want to spend as much of it as possible with our daughters, Jael and Leah, in their formative years alongside my wonderful wife, Alexandria, as well as our future children,” Miller said.  “I want to focus on my family more after my time in the House is up.”

Specifically, he chose this time for making that decision public in order to definitively stop speculation regarding either seat on his end.

Expounding on the Senate seat specifically, Rep. Miller said “Sen. John Proos has demonstrated nothing short of top-notch leadership and conservative, principled service for our three southwest Michigan counties of Berrien, Cass and St. Joseph.

“It has been a great honor to serve the same 93,000-plus constituents alongside him.”

He said he will seek to endorse another like-minded conservative leader for the 21st, and looks forward to finding out who that right candidate is.

Turning back to his reelection bid that will take place in August and November of next year, Miller stated that he hopes he has earned voters’ trust for a third time.

“My voting record, my strong in-district work ethic and my heart for all those I serve are all qualities of mine that I hope speak for themselves,” he said.  “Those who know me, or who have dealt with me, know that I am always willing to go the extra mile.  Phone calls on the road with constituents, visiting people in their homes, always being open with anyone on social media, being down-to-earth and kind — I’m proud of it all.”

According to the Michigan Constitution of 1963, Miller’s potential third term would be his last in the Michigan House of Representatives due to term limits.

The Miller family lives north of Sturgis in rural St. Joseph County.