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Who’s Running for Michigan Governor in 2026? Meet the Candidates

The 2026 Michigan election is shaping up to be a highly competitive race, with a crowded field of candidates vying to replace term-limited Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Scheduled for November 3, 2026, with primaries on August 4, 2026, this election will determine Michigan’s next governor in a key swing state.

Candidates running for governor:

Democratic Candidates

Jocelyn Benson

• Background: Michigan Secretary of State since 2019, Benson, 47, previously served as dean of Wayne State University Law School. She’s known for overseeing record-breaking voter turnout in the 2020 and 2022 elections and improving Secretary of State services, like online access and self-service kiosks.
• Goals as Governor: Benson aims to make Michigan the best place to raise kids, focusing on efficient government, affordable housing, quality education, and voting rights for all. She wants to cut bureaucracy and reduce unnecessary spending.
• Political Stance: Progressive Democrat, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and social equity. She’s been vocal against election interference and has championed election security.
• Endorsements: Supported by former U.S. Representative Mark Schauer, State Senator Sean McCann, 15 state representatives, Grand Rapids Mayor David LaGrand, EMILY’s List, End Citizens United, Vote Mama, and UFCW 951.
• Key Info: Benson’s experience in statewide office and her focus on voter access make her a frontrunner in the Democratic primary, according to polls like Glengariff Group (May 2025), where she leads with 59% among Democratic voters.

Garlin Gilchrist II

• Background: Michigan’s first Black Lieutenant Governor since 2019, Gilchrist, 42, is a Detroit native with a background in software engineering at Microsoft and as Detroit’s director of innovation. He worked on Obama’s 2008 campaign and led Whitmer’s Clean Slate Program for criminal record expungement.
• Goals as Governor: Gilchrist plans to continue Whitmer’s work on road infrastructure and public schools while keeping young talent in Michigan. He emphasizes problem-solving over politics and economic growth.
• Political Stance: Moderate Democrat, focused on practical solutions, innovation, and equity. He’s committed to addressing racial disparities, as seen in his leadership of the Michigan COVID-19 Racial Disparities Task Force.
• Endorsements: Backed by State Senators Veronica Klinefelt and Paul Wojno, plus nine state representatives.
• Key Info: If elected, Gilchrist would be Michigan’s first Black governor. Polls show him trailing Benson, with 7–13% support in Democratic primaries.

Chris Swanson

• Background: Genesee County Sheriff since 2020, Swanson, in his late 40s, gained national attention for marching with Black Lives Matter protesters in Flint in 2020. He created the GHOST team to combat human trafficking and the IGNITE program to help inmates find jobs.
• Goals as Governor: Swanson’s campaign slogan is “Protect. Serve. Unify.” He prioritizes public safety, Second Amendment rights, collective bargaining, civil rights, and religious freedom.
• Political Stance: Moderate Democrat with a law enforcement perspective, emphasizing unity and community-focused policing. He’s spoken against police brutality and extremism.
• Endorsements: Supported by International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 948, Iron Workers Local 25, IUOE Local 324, and Teamsters Local 332.
• Key Info: Swanson’s national profile from the 2020 protests and his 2024 Democratic National Convention speech give him visibility, but he polls at 5–11% among Democrats.

Marni Sawicki

• Background: Former mayor of Cape Coral, Florida (2013–2017), Sawicki, in her 50s, was born in Battle Creek, Michigan, and returned in 2021. She now manages shopping malls and was the first female Democrat elected in Florida’s Lee County in decades.
• Goals as Governor: Sawicki’s campaign focuses on economic growth, community development, and leveraging her experience in public service to address Michigan’s needs.
• Political Stance: Progressive Democrat with a focus on local governance and economic revitalization, though her platform is less detailed compared to others.
• Endorsements: No major endorsements reported yet.
• Key Info: Sawicki’s limited name recognition in Michigan may challenge her campaign, and she polls low among Democratic voters.

Republican Candidates

Mike Cox

• Background: Former Michigan Attorney General (2003–2011), Cox, 63, is a Marine Corps veteran who ran for governor in 2010, finishing third in the Republican primary. He now runs a private law firm.
• Goals as Governor: Cox campaigns on “Make Michigan Great Again,” aiming to eliminate the state income tax, restore right-to-work laws, end DEI mandates, and cut government spending through a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). He also wants schools to focus on core skills.
• Political Stance: Conservative Republican, aligning with Trump’s policies. He supports anti-union measures and reducing government regulations.
• Endorsements: No major endorsements reported yet.
• Key Info: Cox’s experience as a statewide official gives him name recognition, but polls show him trailing other Republicans like John James.

John James

• Background: U.S. Representative for Michigan’s 10th District since 2023, James, 43, is a West Point graduate, Army veteran, and former CEO of Renaissance Global Logistics. He ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Senate in 2018 and 2020.
• Goals as Governor: James focuses on economic growth, common-sense policies, and addressing Michigan’s declining population by creating opportunities to keep young people in the state. He criticizes “radical” policies under Whitmer.
• Political Stance: Conservative Republican with a pro-Trump voting record, including support for budget cuts to social services like Medicaid and SNAP. He emphasizes business and military experience.
• Endorsements: No major endorsements reported yet, but his congressional role gives him GOP establishment support.
• Key Info: James could be Michigan’s first Black governor if elected. Polls show him competitive, with 34–35% support in general election scenarios.

Aric Nesbitt

• Background: Michigan Senate Minority Leader since 2023, Nesbitt, 45, has served in the state Senate since 2019 and the House from 2010 to 2016. A Lawton native, he grew up on a farm and supports rural communities.
• Goals as Governor: Nesbitt aims to “Make Michigan Great Again” by prioritizing taxpayers, empowering parents, enhancing public safety, and reviving manufacturing with Trump’s support.
• Political Stance: Conservative Republican, opposing abortion rights and LGBTQ protections. He’s a vocal Trump supporter, having presented Michigan’s electoral votes for Trump in 2024.
• Endorsements: No major endorsements reported, but his Senate role suggests GOP backing.
• Key Info: Nesbitt was the first Republican to announce his candidacy, but polls show him lagging behind James, with 26% in general election matchups.

Tom Leonard

• Background: Former Michigan House Speaker (2017–2019), Leonard, in his 40s, served in the state House from 2013 to 2019 and ran for attorney general in 2018 and 2022. He’s a former prosecutor.
• Goals as Governor: Leonard focuses on lowering taxes, reforming regulations, improving third-grade reading outcomes, addressing mental health, and empowering workers through “freedom to work” policies.
• Political Stance: Conservative Republican, emphasizing economic growth and education reform. He’s critical of Michigan’s low rankings in unemployment and education.
• Endorsements: No major endorsements reported yet.
• Key Info: Leonard’s legislative experience strengthens his campaign, but he’s less prominent in polls compared to James or Nesbitt.

Anthony Hudson

• Background: A truck driver from Genesee County, Hudson, in his 40s, moved to Michigan in 2012. He ran for Congress in 2024, finishing third in the Republican primary.
• Goals as Governor: Hudson wants to eliminate property and income taxes, replace them with local county taxes, disband the Michigan Department of Transportation, and protect parental rights. He also supports natural gas and tax-exempt PTO.
• Political Stance: Hardline conservative, focusing on reducing state government and increasing local control.
• Endorsements: No major endorsements reported.
• Key Info: Hudson’s outsider status and limited political experience make him a long-shot candidate.

Evan Space

• Background: A Traverse City entrepreneur and Michigan Army National Guard veteran, Space, in his 30s, ran for governor in 2022 as an independent write-in candidate.
• Goals as Governor: Space proposes eliminating business taxes, pursuing statehood for the Upper Peninsula, bringing space launches to Michigan, and reforming the Friend of the Court system.
• Political Stance: Libertarian-leaning Republican, emphasizing economic freedom and unconventional policies.
• Endorsements: No major endorsements reported.
• Key Info: Space’s unique platform may appeal to niche voters but lacks broad support.

Joyce Gipson

• Background: Limited public information is available about Gipson, who appears to be a lesser-known candidate.
• Goals as Governor: Gipson prioritizes protecting free speech, banning state-funded abortions, stopping gender-affirming care for youth, preventing transgender athletes in girls’ sports, and supporting veterans and seniors.
• Political Stance: Far-right Republican, focusing on social conservative issues.
• Endorsements: No major endorsements reported.
• Key Info: Gipson’s lack of public profile makes her a minor candidate in the race.

Independent Candidate

Mike Duggan

• Background: Detroit Mayor since 2014, Duggan, 66, is a former Wayne County prosecutor and Detroit Medical Center CEO. He announced his candidacy as an Independent in December 2024, despite a long Democratic affiliation.
• Goals as Governor: Duggan aims to end partisanship in Lansing, improve public education, expand affordable housing, and keep young people in Michigan. He credits himself with Detroit’s revitalization post-bankruptcy.
• Political Stance: Centrist, focusing on bipartisan solutions and practical governance. He’s distanced himself from both parties to appeal to moderates.
• Endorsements: Supported by State Representative Karen Whitsett (Democrat), Detroit City Councilor Mary Waters (Democrat), Ford Motor Company Executive Chair William Clay Ford Jr., Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce, and No Labels.
• Key Info: Duggan’s Independent run could split the vote, with polls showing him at 16–25% in general election scenarios. His Detroit turnaround gives him strong name recognition.

Why This Race Matters

Michigan is a swing state, with Trump winning it in 2016 and 2024 and Biden in 2020. The 2026 election is rated a “toss-up” by Cook Political Report, Sabato’s Crystal Ball, and Inside Elections due to its competitive nature.

The presence of Duggan as an Independent complicates the race, potentially impacting both Democratic and Republican chances. Polls from May 2025 show close races, with Benson leading James and Duggan in a three-way matchup (35% vs. 34% vs. 22%).

Key Issues in the Race

• Economy and Taxes: Republicans like Cox and Hudson push for tax cuts, while Democrats like Benson and Gilchrist focus on affordability and infrastructure.
• Education: Candidates across parties emphasize improving Michigan’s low-ranking education system, with Leonard targeting third-grade reading and Benson prioritizing access.
• Public Safety: Swanson’s law enforcement background and Nesbitt’s focus on safety highlight this issue.
• Population Retention: Both parties address Michigan’s loss of young talent, with Duggan and James proposing economic incentives.

Filing Deadlines

• Democratic and Republican Candidates: Must file by April 21, 2026 (15 Tuesdays before the August 4 primary).
• Independent Candidates: Must file by July 16, 2026 (110 days before the November 3 general election).

The 2026 Michigan gubernatorial race is a battleground with diverse candidates offering distinct visions.

Democrats like Benson and Gilchrist lean on progressive policies and Whitmer’s legacy, while Republicans like James and Nesbitt align with conservative priorities.

Duggan’s Independent bid adds unpredictability. With the election over a year away, more candidates may emerge, and voter sentiment will evolve.

This article is based on information available as of August 12, 2025, and may be updated as new developments arise.