Bay City Mayor Charles Brunner announced Friday he will seek to replace Rep. Jeff Mayes, D-Bay City. Mayes is term limited out.

A story in the Friday Bay City Times online reports the first term mayor made the announcement at the American Legion Post. The 96th District covers the lower half of Bay County.

“A lot of folks have encouraged me to do it and with that encouragement I’ve made the decision,” Brunner said. “I’m looking to take common sense and creative thinking to Lansing.”

Brunner is the only declared candidate for the seat, but the Bay City Times did not note his party affiliation.