MICHIGAN — Michigan voters will choose a new governor in November 2026. Current Governor Gretchen Whitmer is term-limited after serving back-to-back four year stints in Lansing.
We are keeping track of candidates who throw their hats in the ring below.
March 6, 2025
Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist filed paperwork with the Secretary of State on forming a campaign committee.
America Votes
Lt. Governor Gilchrist forms campaign committee for gubernatorial run
February 16, 2025
Anthony Hudson, a truck driver from Genessee County, announced his candidacy as a Republican.
February 6, 2025
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson launched his bid to be the Democratic nominee for Governor.
Politics
Sheriff Chris Swanson announces run for Michigan governor
January 22, 2025
Democrat Jocelyn Benson, the current Secretary of State, officially filed paperwork to run for the Democratic Party's nomination for governor. She was the first Democrat to announce her candidacy.
America Votes
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announces gubernatorial run
January 14, 2025
Republican Aric Nesbitt, the party's leader in the Michigan Senate, declared he is running to be the GOP's nominee for governor. He was the first Republican to officially kick off his campaign.
America Votes
Top Republican in Michigan Senate announces run for Governor
December 4, 2024
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan became the first person to officially declare his candidacy. In a surprise move, Duggan announced he will run as an independent, rather than seek the nomination of the Democratic party.
America Votes
Detroit Mayor Duggan to ditch Democratic Party, run for governor as independent
Candidates by party
Democrats:
Jocelyn Benson
Garlin Gilchrist
Chris Swanson
Republicans:
Anthony Hudson
Aric Nesbitt
Independents:
Mike Duggan
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