2026 Michigan gubernatorial election

For related races, see 2026 United States gubernatorial elections and 2026 Michigan elections.

2026 Michigan gubernatorial election

← 2022 November 3, 2026 2030 →

Nominee TBD TBD Mike Duggan Party Democratic Republican Independent

Incumbent Governor Gretchen Whitmer Democratic

The 2026 Michigan gubernatorial election is scheduled to take place on November 3, 2026, to elect the governor of Michigan. Incumbent Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer is term-limited and cannot seek re-election to a third term. This will be one of five Democratic-held governorships up for election in 2026 in a state won by Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election.

Background

Michigan is a purple state in the heart of the Great Lakes and Rust Belt regions.

Democrats occupy all of Michigan's statewide offices, including both of its U.S. Senate seats, and hold a slight majority in the state Senate while Republicans have a moderate edge in the Michigan House of Representatives. Donald Trump, the Republican nominee for president, won Michigan in 2016 and 2024, serving nonconsecutive terms in the White House, but lost it to Democrat Joe Biden in 2020, with all three elections decided by narrow margins.^[1]

Incumbent Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer, running with Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, has won both of her terms by relatively comfortable margins. She was first elected by 9.5% in 2018^[2] and re-elected by 10.5% in 2022.^[3]

Democratic primary

Candidates

Declared

• Jocelyn Benson, Michigan Secretary of State (2019–present)^[4]
• Garlin Gilchrist, Lieutenant Governor of Michigan (2019–present)^[5]
• Marni Sawicki, former mayor of Cape Coral, Florida (2013–2017)^[6]
• Chris Swanson, Genesee County Sheriff (2020–present)^[7]

Potential

• Dana Nessel, Michigan Attorney General (2019–present)^[8]

Declined

• Pete Buttigieg, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation (2021–2025), former mayor of South Bend, Indiana (2012–2020), and candidate for president in 2020^[9]
• Dan Kildee, former U.S. representative from Michigan's 8th congressional district (2013–2025)^[10]
• Mallory McMorrow, state senator from the 8th district (2019–present)^[11] (running for U.S. Senate)^[12]
• Gary Peters, U.S. senator (2015–present)^[13]

Endorsements

Jocelyn Benson

U.S. representatives

• Mark Schauer, former U.S. representative from MI-7 (2009–2011) and nominee for governor in 2014^[14]

State legislators

• Sean McCann, state senator from 19th district (2019–present)^[14]
• Jeremy Moss, state senator from the 7th district (2019–present)^[15]
• 18 state representatives^[a]

Municipal officials

• David LaGrand, mayor of Grand Rapids (2025–present)^[14]
• Christopher Taylor, mayor of Ann Arbor (2014–present)^[16]
• Kym Worthy, Wayne County Prosecuting Attorney (2004–present)^[17]

Individuals

• Hill Harper, actor^[16]
• George Takei, actor^[18]

Labor unions

• Association of Flight Attendants-CWA^[19]
• International Brotherhood of Teamsters Locals 243, 247, 283, 406, and 1038^[20]
• Laborers' International Union of North America Michigan District Council and Locals 355 and 499^[19]
• United Association Local 174^[19]
• United Food and Commercial Workers Local 876^[19] and 951^[21]

Organizations

• EMILY's List^[22]
• End Citizens United^[23]
• Vote Mama^[24]

Garlin Gilchrist

U.S. Representatives

• Rashida Tlaib, U.S. representative from Michigan's 12th congressional district (2019–present)^[25]

State senators

• Veronica Klinefelt, 11th district (2023–present)^[26]
• Paul Wojno, 10th district (2019–present)^[26]

State representatives

• Brenda Carter, 53rd district (2019–present)^[27]
• Kimberly Edwards, 12th district (2023–present)^[27]
• Morgan Foreman, 33rd district (2025–present)^[27]
• Peter Herzberg, 25th district (2024–present)^[27]
• Donavan McKinney, 11th district (2023–present)^[27]
• Cynthia Neeley, 70th district (2020–present)^[27]
• Amos O'Neal, 94th district (2021–present)^[27]
• Laurie Pohutsky, 17th district (2019–present)^[27]
• Mai Xiong, 13th district (2024–present)^[27]

Chris Swanson

Statewide officials

• John Cherry, former Lieutenant Governor of Michigan (2003–2011)^[28]

State legislators

• Virgil Bernero, former state senator from the 23rd district (2003–2006), former Mayor of Lansing (2006–2018), and nominee for governor in 2010^[28]

Labor unions

• International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers Local 25^[29]
• International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 948^[29]
• International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 332^[29]
• International Union of Operating Engineers Local 324^[29]
• United Association Locals 85^[30] and 370^[31]

Declined to endorse

U.S. senators

• Elissa Slotkin, U.S. senator from Michigan (2025–present)^[32]

Statewide officials

• Gretchen Whitmer, incumbent governor (2019–present)^[33]

Fundraising

Campaign finance reports as of October 20, 2025
Candidate	Raised	Spent	Cash on hand
Jocelyn Benson (D)	$4,748,706	$1,766,489	$2,982,217
Garlin Gilchrist (D)	$1,127,089	$748,632	$378,457
Marni Sawicki (D)	$15,930[b]	$14,605	$1,325
Chris Swanson (D)	$1,361,188	$975,998	$385,190
Source: Michigan Secretary of State[34]

Polling

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size[c]	Margin of error	Jocelyn Benson	Garlin Gilchrist	Chris Swanson	Undecided
Impact Research (D)[35][A]	September 30 – October 6, 2025	453 (LV)	± 4.6%	56%	17%	5%	22%
Glengariff Group[36][B]	May 5−8, 2025	600 (RV)	± 4.0%	59%	7%	8%	26%
				65%[d]	10%	5%	20%
Mitchell Research[37][C]	March 13, 2025	303 (LV)	± 5.6%	46%	13%	11%	30%

Hypothetical polling

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size[c]	Margin of error	Jocelyn Benson	Garlin Gilchrist	Dana Nessel	Chris Swanson	Undecided
Target Insyght[38]	March 3–6, 2025	344 (V)	± 5.7%	55%	12%	12%	3%	19%

Republican primary

Candidates

Declared

• Mike Cox, former Michigan Attorney General (2003–2011) and candidate for governor in 2010^[39]
• Anthony Hudson, truck driver and candidate for Michigan's 8th congressional district in 2024^[40]
• John James, U.S. representative from Michigan's 10th congressional district (2023–present) and nominee for U.S. Senate in 2018 and 2020^[41]
• Tom Leonard, former speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives (2017–2019) from the 93rd district (2013–2019), nominee for attorney general in 2018 and candidate in 2022^[42]
• Aric Nesbitt, Minority Leader of the Michigan Senate (2023–present) from the 20th district (2019–present)^[43]
• William Null, construction manager tried and acquitted for the Gretchen Whitmer kidnapping plot^[44]
• Ralph Rebandt, pastor and candidate for governor in 2022^[45]
• Karla Wagner, political organizer^[46]

Publicly expressed interest

• Perry Johnson, businessman, disqualified candidate for governor in 2022, and candidate for president in 2024^[47]
• Kevin Rinke, former car dealer and candidate for governor in 2022^[47]

Declined

• Tudor Dixon, conservative media personality and nominee for governor in 2022^[48]

Endorsements

Tom Leonard

Statewide officials

• Tom McMillin, member of the Michigan State Board of Education (2017–present)^[15]

Fundraising

Campaign finance reports as of October 20, 2025
Candidate	Raised	Spent	Cash on hand
Mike Cox (R)	$5,972,075[e]	$1,247,731	$3,788,175
Anthony Hudson (R)	$13,682	$12,480	$1,202
John James (R)	$3,651,321	$1,379,814	$2,271,507
Tom Leonard (R)	$937,024[f]	$227,730	$709,293
Aric Nesbitt (R)	$2,722,725	$616,869	$2,105,856
Ralph Rebandt (R)	$926,800[g]	$46,344	$880,456
Karla Wagner (R)	$2,875	$2,620	$255
Source: Michigan Secretary of State[34]

Polling

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size[c]	Margin of error	Mike Cox	John James	Tom Leonard	Aric Nesbitt	Other	Undecided
Plymouth Union Public (R)[50]	October 8−9, 2025	200 (LV)	± 4.0%	7%	41%	<5%	<5%	–	–
Target Insyght[38]	March 3–6, 2025	336 (V)	± 5.7%	5%	57%	–	13%	1%[h]	23%
National Research (R)[51][D]	February 17–19, 2025	600 (LV)	± 4.0%	10%	38%	–	17%	8%	27%
OnMessage Inc.(R)[52][E]	January 17–19, 2025	1,000 (LV)	± 3.1%	4%	46%	1%	6%	9%[i]	35%

Hypothetical polling

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size[c]	Margin of error	Mike Cox	Tudor Dixon	John James	Perry Johnson	Tom Leonard	Aric Nesbitt	Undecided
Glengariff Group[36][B]	May 5−8, 2025	600 (RV)	± 4.0%	11%	20%	42%	–	–	5%	22%
				10%[d]	24%	44%	–	–	4%	18%
Mitchell Research[37][C]	March 13, 2025	281 (LV)	± 5.8%	10%	30%	31%	8%	1%	5%	15%

Independents

Candidates

Declared

• Mike Duggan, mayor of Detroit (2014–present)^[53]

Fundraising

Campaign finance reports as of October 20, 2025
Candidate	Raised	Spent	Cash on hand
Mike Duggan (I)	$4,377,716	$1,965,200	$2,464,779
Source: Michigan Secretary of State[34]

General election

Predictions

Source	Ranking	As of
The Cook Political Report[54]	Tossup	September 11, 2025
Inside Elections[55]	Tossup	August 28, 2025
Sabato's Crystal Ball[56]	Tossup	September 4, 2025
Race to the WH[57]	Tossup	September 11, 2025

Endorsements

Mike Duggan (I)

Federal executive branch officials

• Sandy Baruah, former Administrator of the Small Business Administration (2008–2009) (Republican)^[58]

U.S. representatives

• Dave Trott, former U.S. representative from Michigan's 11th congressional district (2015–2019)^[j] (Independent)^[59]

Statewide officials

• Mark Bernstein, regent of the University of Michigan (2013–present) (Democratic)^[59]
• Marshall Bullock, member of the Michigan State Board of Education (2023–present) (Democratic)^[59]
• Denise Ilitch, regent of the University of Michigan (2009–present) (Democratic)^[59]
• Conrad Mallett Jr., former Chief Justice (1997–1998) of the Michigan Supreme Court (1990–1999) (Democratic)^[60]

State legislators

• 14 state representatives^[l]

Local officials

• Laura Toy, at-large Livonia city councilor (2018–present^[m]) and former state senator from the 6th district (2003–2006) (Republican)^[63]
• Mary Waters, at-large Detroit city councilor (2022–present) (Democratic)^[62]
• Karen Weaver, former mayor of Flint (2015–2019) (Democratic)^[59]

Individuals

• William Clay Ford Jr., executive chair of Ford Motor Company (1999–present)^[64]
• Andrew Yang, businessman and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate (Forward Party)^[65]

Labor unions

• Detroit Police Officers Association and Detroit Police Lieutenants and Sergeants Association^[66]
• International Association of Fire Fighters Local 344^[58]
• International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 38^[19]
• International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 58^[67]
• International Brotherhood of Teamsters Joint Council 43^[n][68]
• International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 2^[69]
• International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Council 1M^[70]
• UNITE HERE Local 24^[58]
• Michigan Regional State Council of Carpenters and Millwrights^[71]
• United Association Local 98^[19]
• United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers, and Allied Workers Local 149^[72]

Organizations

• Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce^[73]
• No Labels^[74]
• Southeast Michigan Chamber of Commerce^[72]

Polling

Jocelyn Benson vs. John James vs. Mike Duggan

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size[c]	Margin of error	Jocelyn Benson (D)	John James (R)	Mike Duggan (I)	Undecided
Schoen Cooperman[75]	October 9−14, 2025	600 (LV)	± 4.0%	30%	29%	26%	15%
Glengariff Group[36][B]	May 5−8, 2025	600 (RV)	± 4.0%	35%	34%	22%	9%
				38%[d]	33%	21%	8%
Mitchell Research[37][C]	March 13, 2025	688 (LV)	± 3.7%	37%	34%	16%	13%
Target Insyght[76]	February 3–8, 2025	600 (V)	± 4.0%	42%	30%	21%	7%

Jocelyn Benson vs. Mike Cox vs. Mike Duggan

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size[c]	Margin of error	Jocelyn Benson (D)	Mike Cox (R)	Mike Duggan (I)	Undecided
Glengariff Group[36][B]	May 5−8, 2025	600 (RV)	± 4.0%	35%	27%	25%	13%
				39%[d]	26%	25%	10%
Mitchell Research[37][C]	March 13, 2025	688 (LV)	± 3.7%	37%	35%	16%	12%

Jocelyn Benson vs. Aric Nesbitt vs. Mike Duggan

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size[c]	Margin of error	Jocelyn Benson (D)	Aric Nesbitt (R)	Mike Duggan (I)	Undecided
Glengariff Group[36][B]	May 5−8, 2025	600 (RV)	± 4.0%	36%	26%	25%	13%
				40%[d]	26%	25%	9%

Chris Swanson vs. John James vs. Mike Duggan

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size[c]	Margin of error	Chris Swanson (D)	John James (R)	Mike Duggan (I)	Undecided
Glengariff Group[36][B]	May 5−8, 2025	600 (RV)	± 4.0%	30%	35%	25%	10%
				33%[d]	34%	26%	7%

Garlin Gilchrist vs. John James vs. Mike Duggan

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size[c]	Margin of error	Garlin Gilchrist (D)	John James (R)	Mike Duggan (I)	Undecided
Glengariff Group[36][B]	May 5−8, 2025	600 (RV)	± 4.0%	29%	35%	25%	11%
				33%[d]	34%	25%	8%

Hypothetical polling

Jocelyn Benson vs. Dick DeVos vs. Mike Duggan

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size[c]	Margin of error	Jocelyn Benson (D)	Dick DeVos (R)	Mike Duggan (I)	Undecided
EPIC-MRA[77]	February 3–8, 2025	600 (LV)	± 4.0%	31%	31%	23%	15%

Jocelyn Benson vs. Tudor Dixon vs. Mike Duggan

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size[c]	Margin of error	Jocelyn Benson (D)	Tudor Dixon (R)	Mike Duggan (I)	Undecided
Glengariff Group[36][B]	May 5−8, 2025	600 (RV)	± 4.0%	35%	31%	24%	10%
				40%[d]	31%	23%	6%
Mitchell Research[37][C]	March 13, 2025	688 (LV)	± 3.7%	38%	36%	16%	10%

Generic Democrat vs. John James vs. Mike Duggan

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size[c]	Margin of error	Generic Democrat	John James (R)	Mike Duggan (I)	Undecided
Plymouth Union Public (R)[50]	October 8−9, 2025	600 (LV)	–	31%	35%	12%	12%

Generic Democrat vs. Mike Cox vs. Mike Duggan

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size[c]	Margin of error	Generic Democrat	Mike Cox (R)	Mike Duggan (I)	Undecided
Plymouth Union Public (R)[50]	October 8−9, 2025	600 (LV)	–	31%	28%	15%	26%

See also

• 2026 United States gubernatorial elections
• 2026 Michigan elections

Notes

1. • Joey Andrews, 38th district (2023–present)^[14]
   • Noah Arbit, 20th district (2023–present)^[14]
   • Kelly Breen, 21st district (2019–present)^[14]
   • Julie Brixie, 73rd district (2019–present)^[14]
   • Betsy Coffia, 103rd district (2023–present)^[14]
   • Jennifer Conlin, 48th district (2023–present)^[14]
   • Emily Dievendorf, 77th district (2023–present)^[16]
   • Sean McCann, 19th district (2019–present)^[14]
   • Denise Mentzer, 61st district (2023–present)^[14]
   • Jason Morgan, 23rd district (2023–present)^[14]
   • Tonya Myers Phillips, 7th district (2025–present)^[17]
   • Natalie Price, 6th district (2023–present)^[14]
   • Carrie Rheingans, 47th district (2023–present)^[14]
   • Phil Skaggs, 80th district (2023–present)^[14]
   • Penelope Tsernoglou, 75th district (2023–present)^[14]
   • Dylan Wegela, 26th district (2023–present)^[14]
   • Jimmie Wilson Jr., 32nd district (2023–present)^[14]
   • Adam Zemke, 55th district (2013–2019)^[14]
2. $13,300 of this total has been self-funded by Sawicki
3. Key:
   A – all adults
   RV – registered voters
   LV – likely voters
   V – unclear
4. Among "definite voters"
5. $3.5 million of this total has been self-funded by Cox^[49]
6. $105,000 of this total has been self-funded by Leonard
7. $802,576 of this total has been self-funded by Rebandt
8. Perry Johnson with 1%
9. Kevin Rinke with 3%; "Other" with 6%
10. Trott was elected to this seat as a Republican.
11. Woronchak held this seat as a Republican, and was then elected to the Wayne County Commission's 13th district (2005–2018) as a Democrat.
12. • Brian Banks, 1st district (2013–2017) and convicted felon (Democratic)^[61]
    • Wendell Byrd, 3rd district (2015–2021) (Democratic)^[61]
    • Phil Cavanagh, 10th district (2011–2014) (Democratic)^[61]
    • John Chirkun, 22nd district (2015–2021) (Democratic)^[61]
    • Edward Gaffney, 1st district (2003–2008) (Republican)^[61]
    • Kurt Heise, 20th district (2011–2016) (Republican)^[59]
    • James Kosteva, 37th district (1985–1992) (Democratic)^[61]
    • Phil LaJoy, 21st district (2003–2008) (Republican)^[61]
    • Keith Stallworth, 12th district (1997–2002) (Democratic)^[59]
    • Thomas Stallworth III, 7th district (2011–2015) (Democratic)^[59]
    • Richard Steenland, 22nd district (2021–2023) (Republican)^[60]
    • Buzz Thomas, 4th district (1997–2011) (Democratic)^[61]
    • Karen Whitsett, 4th district (2019–present) (Democratic)^[62]
    • Gary Woronchak, 15th district (1999–2004)^[k] (Democratic)^[61]
13. Also 1988–1995 and 2008–2015
14. While both Joint Council 43 and its president Kevin Moore had endorsed Duggan, it was not "on behalf of their 10 affiliated local unions."^[68] Of the 10 statewide locals, a majority consisting of 5 locals endorsed Benson,^[20] whereas an additional local, Local 332, endorsed Swanson instead.^[29]

Partisan clients

1. Poll sponsored by Benson's campaign
2. Poll sponsored by The Detroit Regional Chamber
3. Poll commissioned by MIRS, a nonpartisan tipsheet
4. Poll sponsored by GOPAC, which supports Nesbitt
5. Poll sponsored by Harbor Strategic Public Affairs

References

1. "Michigan Presidential Election Voting History - 270toWin". 270toWin.com. Retrieved September 7, 2025.
2. Leip, David. "2018 Gubernatorial General Election Results - Michigan". uselectionatlas.org. Archived from the original on February 18, 2025. Retrieved April 17, 2025.
3. Leip, David. "2022 Gubernatorial General Election Results - Michigan". uselectionatlas.org. Archived from the original on December 4, 2024. Retrieved April 17, 2025.
4. Hendrickson, Clara (January 22, 2025). "Jocelyn Benson, Secretary of State, announces run for Michigan governor". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved January 22, 2025.
5. Kamisar, Ben (March 11, 2025). "Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist launches a run for governor, setting up a major 2026 race". NBC News. Retrieved March 11, 2025.
6. Harpster, Dayna (April 6, 2025). "Former Cape Coral mayor seeks Michigan governor's seat". WGCU. Retrieved May 8, 2025.
7. Cappelletti, Joey (February 6, 2025). "Chris Swanson, prominent sheriff and Democrat, announces run for Michigan governor". Associated Press. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
8. Skubick, Tim (July 16, 2025). "Dana Nessel hasn't 'ruled out anything' when it comes to governor or senate races". WJBK. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
9. "Pete Buttigieg won't seek US Senate seat in Michigan, leaving door wide open for 2028 run". AP News. March 13, 2025. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
10. Roth, Andrew (February 20, 2024). "Swanson 'absolutely' foresees 2026 bid for governor, while Kildee rules out run". Michigan Advance. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
11. Schuster, Simon (November 11, 2024). "Has Michigan governor race begun? Duggan spurs speculation. Here's who might run". Bridge Michigan. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
12. Kamisar, Ben (April 2, 2025). "Mallory McMorrow jumps into Michigan's Senate race with a call for change in the Democratic Party". NBC News. Retrieved April 2, 2025.
13. Burke, Melissa Nann (January 28, 2025). "Michigan's Gary Peters won't seek reelection to U.S. Senate. Here's why". The Detroit News. Archived from the original on January 28, 2025. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
14. Bournonville, Alexandria (January 23, 2025). "Michigan Dems show support for Benson after announcing run for governor". WJMN-TV. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
15. King, Jon (October 31, 2025). "Your Weekly Michigan Political Brief". Michigan Advance. Retrieved October 31, 2025.
16. Robinson, Sam (July 18, 2025). "Hill Harper Endorses Benson for Governor". Michigan Chronicle. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
17. Solis, Ben (July 11, 2025). "Worthy endorsement of Benson brings Detroit clout in primary, but Duggan's shadow looms large". Michigan Advance. Retrieved September 3, 2025.
18. Robinson, Sam (February 7, 2025). "What Michigan voters are saying about Duggan, Benson for governor". Detroit One Million. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
19. Robinson, Sam (August 28, 2025). "Michigan Laborers Endorse Jocelyn Benson for Governor". Michigan Chronicle. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
20. Robinson, Sam (September 17, 2025). "Teamsters Unions Backing Benson Blindsided by Retracted Duggan Endorsement". Michigan Chronicle. Retrieved September 17, 2025.
21. UFCW 951 [@UFCW951] (March 11, 2025). "Today, UFCW 951 is proud to be the first labor union in the state to endorse Jocelyn Benson as Michigan's next governor". Retrieved April 2, 2025 – via Facebook.
22. Marquez, Alexandra (January 23, 2025). "Emily's List endorses Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson's bid for governor". NBC News. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
23. Muller, Tiffany (January 23, 2025). "End Citizens United Endorses Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson for Michigan Governor". End Citizens United. Archived from the original on January 23, 2025. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
24. "Vote Mama PAC: Candidates". Vote Mama PAC. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
25. Solis, Ben (October 28, 2025). "Tlaib endorses Gilchrist's bid for Michigan governor". Michigan Advance. Retrieved October 28, 2025.
26. Mauger, Craig (July 8, 2025). "Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist picks up endorsements from Democratic lawmakers". The Detroit News. Archived from the original on July 8, 2025. Retrieved July 8, 2025.
27. Solis, Ben (July 7, 2025). "Gilchrist, Byrum net legislative endorsements for respective governor, secretary of state bids". Michigan Advance. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
28. LeBlanc, Beth; Mauger, Craig (February 6, 2025). "Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, a Democrat, kicks off campaign for governor". The Detroit News. Retrieved September 3, 2025.
29. Ball, Hannah (February 7, 2025). "Swanson announces run for Governor". Tri-City Times. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
30. UA Local 85 [@UALocal85] (February 20, 2025). "Last night, UA Local 85 stood together in solidarity and unanimously voted to endorse Sheriff Chris Swanson for Governor of Michigan". Retrieved September 3, 2025 – via Facebook.
31. Solis, Ben (August 7, 2025). "Swanson receives honor from labor group, boosting his gubernatorial bid". Michigan Advance. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
32. Meerschaert, Kevin (April 28, 2025). "Sloktin won't make endorsement on Governor or Senate primary". WEMU. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
33. Lengel, Allan (January 10, 2025). "Michigan Gov. Whitmer Won't Endorse Lt. Gov. Gilchrist or Anyone Else For Governor in Primary". Deadline Detroit. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
34. "Committee Search". Michigan Secretary of State. Retrieved August 12, 2025.
35. Solis, Ben (October 21, 2025). "Internal polling shows Michigan's Benson with mighty lead in Democratic gubernatorial hunt". Michigan Advance. Retrieved October 22, 2025.
36. "Detroit Regional Chamber/Glengariff Group May 2025 Political Survey Report" (PDF). Detroit Regional Chamber. May 11, 2025. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
37. "Benson-James/Dixon Top Candidates for Governor" (PDF). RealClearPolitics. March 18, 2025. Retrieved March 20, 2025.
38. "Poll: Jocelyn Benson Dominates Mike Duggan in Governor's Race". Deadline Detroit. March 8, 2025. Retrieved March 9, 2025.
39. Foster, Wells (April 15, 2025). "Former AG Mike Cox announces run for governor". WILX. Retrieved April 15, 2025.
40. Jeltema, Ryan (February 13, 2025). "Republican from Grand Blanc Township announces run for governor". WJRT-TV. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
41. Powers, Sara (April 7, 2025). "Rep. John James announces run for Michigan governor". WDIV-TV. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
42. Solis, Ben (June 17, 2025). "Former Michigan House speaker joins Republican gubernatorial fray". Michigan Advance. Retrieved June 17, 2025.
43. Buss, Kaitlyn (January 14, 2025). "Top GOP lawmaker launches run for governor". The Detroit News. Archived from the original on January 14, 2025. Retrieved January 14, 2025.
44. Nichols, Anna (September 19, 2024). "Gun advocates gather on the Michigan Capitol lawn to slam Democrats' gun reforms". Michigan Advance. Retrieved February 8, 2025. At the event, William Null announced he'd try to run for governor of Michigan in 2026.
45. LeBlanc, Beth (September 19, 2025). "Oakland County pastor, a Republican, joins Michigan governor's race". The Detroit News. Archived from the original on September 19, 2025. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
46. Kransz, Michael (August 7, 2025). "Michigan property tax abolition leader enters 2026 governor race". MLive Media Group. Retrieved August 12, 2025.
47. Mauger, Craig (September 21, 2025). "Michigan Republican insiders see primary race for governor as 'up for grabs'". The Detroit News. Retrieved September 23, 2025.
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External links

Official campaign websites

• Jocelyn Benson (D) for Governor
• Mike Cox (R) for Governor
• Mike Duggan (I) for Governor
• Garlin Gilchrist (D) for Governor
• Anthony Hudson (R) for Governor
• John James (R) for Governor
• Aric Nesbitt (R) for Governor
• Marni Sawicki (D) for Governor
• Chris Swanson (D) for Governor