Native-born Yooper and fellow UP resident Daryl Schroeder has officially announced his candidacy for Michigan State Representative in the 108th District, launching a campaign focused on strengthening education, expanding mental health services, and tackling the region’s housing shortage.
A proud graduate of Engadine High School, Schroeder earned his Bachelor’s degree from Northern Michigan University and his Master’s degree from Michigan State University. His career spans public service and private industry, including work on the political staff and campaigns of former U.S. Congressman Robert W. Davis and business experience working at Fortune 500 companies such as Ford Motor Company. His family was originally from the Engadine area but moved to Escanaba where his brother played football and graduated from Escanaba High School and his mother currently works for the Escanaba Downtown Development Authority.
Schroeder’s commitment to service earned him the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Award from the Northeast Rotary Club of San Antonio for his charitable fundraising efforts. And, today, Schroeder is a small business owner serving the greater twin cities of Engadine and Naubinway in Mackinac County. He works part-time as Business Manager at the Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum, assists with finances at the Engadine Historical Society, and is a member of the Hiawatha Sportsman’s Club.
Since 2020, Schroeder has served as President of the Engadine Consolidated Schools Board of Education. Under his leadership, the board was recognized as an “Honor Board” by the Michigan Association of School Boards-a distinction reflecting strong governance and commitment to students. The district has also achieved its strongest financial position since the 1970s, steadily growing its general fund balance through careful oversight.
In 2024, Schroeder was elected Mackinac County Commissioner, where he is working with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority to pursue infrastructure grants addressing critical housing needs. He also serves on the North Care Policy Committee, the LMAS Health Board, and the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority.
“My career has taken me from classrooms to boardrooms to public service, but everything I do comes back to the Upper Peninsula,” said Schroeder. “This is home–and it’s worth fighting for.”
Schroeder’s Top Priorities for the UP
Education – Increase funding for UP schools, with a focus on budget increases for transportation costs for larger rural school districts, developing new career and technical education opportunities, modernizing aging infrastructure, and bringing back stronger requirements for math, science, and writing.
Mental Health – Expand rural mental health services in the UP and ensure law enforcement and health professionals have the tools to support less fortunate individuals facing long-term mental health issues and substance abuse challenges.
Housing – Research the housing shortages in the UP by seeking and promoting development options for low-moderate and middle-income families to help communities grow and retain younger generations in their hometown area.
“I’m running because I believe the UP deserves strong, common-sense, practical representation from someone who understands both our challenges and our opportunities,” Schroeder said. “Together, we can help this region grow and prosper.
Schroeder encourages supporters to spread the word, share his message with friends and family, and head to the polls in the early August primary.
