Chris Kleinjans

Chris Kleinjans served in the U.S. Navy. Kleinjans earned a high school diploma from Holland High School. Kleinjans earned a bachelor's degree and a graduate degree from Grand Valley State University. Kleinjans' career experience includes working as a nonprofit professional.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I have committed my life to service — service to country, service to family, and service to community. I am a US Navy veteran, a husband, father and grandfather, an employee in the nonprofit sector, and a volunteer to those in need. I’m running for the Michigan Senate to bring integrity, balance, and common-sense leadership to Lansing.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

At every level, the past year has brought incredible stress to the economic prosperity of the state. And when the state’s economy suffers, its citizens suffer as well.

Whether it’s tariffs affecting the auto, construction and small business sectors, or the trade war with China denying our farmers markets for the product of their work, or an unjustified war with Iran causing chaos across the globe, the result is that Michigan families are finding it more difficult to pay the rent or mortgage and put food on the table. As we absorb these blows from different angles, I will look for ways to increase the resilience of Michigan businesses that are hurt by economic factors beyond their control.Education is a group effort: Parents, educators, and community all work to develop the citizens who will inherit the Michigan of the future. In 2025, Michigan Republicans proposed a plan that would have eliminated grants that helped fund school lunches, mental health programs, safety in schools, and special ed. While they were not successful, their intent remains.

I will work to make sure every student receives what they need to help make them a better learner. I will push for the reestablishment of and increasing pre-K programming, continued access to free breakfast and lunch for all, access to support for those who need it, and making sure funds designated for public education stay in that domain.In a state and nation as abundant as ours, there is no reason we cannot handle the health needs of all our residents in a thoughtful, empathetic manner. This comes from recognizing that we all have different health needs. Children’s health, rural mental health, women’s health, and LGBTQ+ healthcare needs are just some of the specific segments we must consider when we build the resources and space to help our residents.

We will not, as a state, be able to dodge all the effects resulting from the federal budget, particularly in the rural areas of our state. But I will work to advocate for and develop resources for our public health system, so we can strengthen the support for those and other needs of Michigan residents.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Equal Protection Under the Law: In Michigan, two ballot proposals would remove voting rights from anyone who doesn’t jump through hoops to prove their citizenship. There have been many efforts to remove the constitutional amendment ensuring reproductive health care. The GOP’s “bathroom bill” would strip rights from transgender students. In Lansing, I will work to stop legislation that blocks rights for any part of the population.

Resources: Current federal cuts threaten Michigan’s natural resources, and Michigan Republicans attempted to pass a budget with significant cuts to the DNR. Our shared stewardship of this great state includes protecting natural resources as well as maintaining the integrity of infrastructure.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

MI Rural PAC, Allegan County Democratic Party, Planned Parenthood, Equality Michigan Action Network, Progressive Women’s Alliance, Voters Not Politicians Pro Voter Designation, Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate Designation