He initially dismissed the idea due to his new position as district councillor. "On reflection, I have become convinced that this is a great opportunity to represent and promote the Whanganui electorate in the next National Government."
Mr Reid promised he would be a strong advocate for regional development with Whanganui at the forefront, as well as for agriculture, sustainable energy and transport, and would endeavour to be a balanced voice for all.
"I am well aware that no political party is perfect, but I do think that the National government has done a great job and I would love to help them do even better."
If selected to be the National candidate Mr Reid said he would reassess his commitments.
"It is my intention to cease working as a dentist and if elected to government I will retire from an active role and possibly ownership of my dental practices.
"I will unlikely be able to continue my work as a councillor and a by-election may occur. I will make that a smooth transition and also contribute to the financial costs that will be incurred," Mr Reid said.
"Since being elected to the Whanganui District Council I have really enjoyed the opportunity and the privilege of working to help direct and prosper this district. It has been challenging, stretching and also very rewarding, and I am confident the current Mayor and council will do very well for Whanganui."
National Party deputy electorate chair Neil Walker said nominations had yet to open and that a timetable would be finalised soon. He expected that nominations for the position of electorate candidate will open next month.
Mr Walker is also chair of a candidates' support committee and said there had been a number of enquiries from a range of interesting people. None had yet declared their intention to seek nomination publicly.
The successful candidate would need to represent an electorate "of two halves" being rural South Taranaki areas and also more city centric Whanganui. The candidate would be selected by 60 party delegates, he said.
Mr Reid said he loved Whanganui and as MP he would continue to do his best to promote and encourage the district to grow and prosper, as well South Taranaki and all the rural townships which were "vitally important both economically and socially".
"I will continue to be positive, engaging, forward thinking, and am looking forward to representing this city, district and wider electorate in the next National government. I have always been interested in politics and how it affects us and thought that maybe one day I would get involved."