The Michigan gubernatorial election is shaping up for 2026.
The primary election in Michigan is on Aug. 4, 2026. The general election is on Nov. 3, 2026.
Recommended Videos
Current Governor Gretchen Whitmer is term-limited and cannot run again.
Here’s a look at the candidates you will see on the 2026 primary election ballot:
Jocelyn Benson (D)
Jocelyn Benson was elected as Michigan’s Secretary of State in 2018. During her time in this role, she improved the customer service operations of the Secretary of State’s Office by doubling the number of services available online, installing more than 100 self-service stations across the state, and launching mobile offices to bring services to residents who couldn’t easily reach offices or access the internet, according to the department’s website.
In an interview with Local 4’s Jason Colthorp on Jan. 22, 2025, she said she decided to run for governor to improve the education system in the state.
She was the first candidate in the 2026 gubernatorial race to run as a Democrat.
Read more --> Why Jocelyn Benson, Michigan’s Secretary of State, is running for governor
Chris Swanson (D)
Chris Swanson has served as Genesee County’s Sheriff since 2019.
He helped create the Genesee Human Oppression Strike Team (GHOST) in 2019, aiming to arrest criminals involved in human trafficking and sexual assault.
In September 2020, he also helped create Inmate Growth Naturally and Intentionally Through Education (IGNITE), which is a program that helps inmates find full-time employment once released and helps improve reading, comprehension, and math skills while they are in jail.
He gained national attention in 2020 following the killing of George Floyd when he joined a group of Black Lives Matter protesters in a march in Flint.
Read more --> Chris Swanson, prominent sheriff and Democrat, announces run for Michigan governor
John James (R)
John James, who currently represents Michigan’s 10th Congressional District, announced his run on April 7, 2025.
If elected, he would be the first Black governor of Michigan.
His priorities include eliminating income tax, giving teachers pay increases, defending parents’ rights and promoting “open, accountable government that earns trust.”
“Our state has suffered long enough,” James said, in part. “Michigan is strong. Our people are strong. But we are being held back by a lack of strong, competent leadership -- leadership with real-world experience in the areas Michiganders need most.”
Read more --> Congressman John James announces run for Michigan governor
Aric Nesbitt (R)
Michigan Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt was elected to serve as a state senator in 2018. He currently serves Michigan’s 20th Senate District, which represents portions of Berrien, Van Buren, Allegan and Kent counties.
According to his campaign website, he aims to “Make Michigan Great Once Again” as governor and claims a conservative leadership is needed to restore the state’s government that puts Michigan families and workers first.
The Lawton native earned his economics degree from Hillsdale College and later earned his master’s in international business.
Read more --> Michigan Senate Republican Leader Nesbitt launches run for governor
Mike Cox (R)
Mike Cox served as attorney general for Michigan from 2003 to 2011. According to his campaign, he was the first Republican to hold that office in about 50 years.
If elected as governor, Cox has plans to eliminate state income tax, restore Right to Work, end DEI mandates in government and schools, have schools focus on core skills and accountability, and cut spending through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
“Michigan is getting weaker, poorer, and less free under Gretchen Whitmer,” Cox said. “While she grows the government, families are crushed by taxes, regulations, and woke priorities. Too many of our children are leaving. Enough is enough. I’m running to fight for Michigan families. I will eliminate the income tax—what I call the tax on work—restore Right to Work, and return power to Michigan’s workers, families, and small businesses.”
Read more here --> Former Michigan attorney general Mike Cox launches campaign for governor
Perry Johnson (R)
Perry Johnson, who once tried to unseat Whitmer in the 2022 election, is seeking office again as a GOP candidate.
According to the Oakland County businessman’s campaign website, Johnson plans to eliminate Michigan’s income tax, end wasteful spending in state government and demand accountability for every tax dollar.
Johnson ran in 2022 for Michigan’s governor, but the state’s election bureau ruled he did not submit enough valid signatures required for nominating petitions, ending his bid. He also ran for president in 2024.
Read more here --> Former candidate Perry Johnson joins crowded Republican field running for governor of Michigan