2026 Michigan Governor Race Draws Crowded Field

The 2026 Michigan governor's race is heating up as former Attorney General Mike Cox officially joins a crowded Republican primary that includes U.S. Rep. John James and Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt. Cox, who served as attorney general from 2003 to 2011 and was the first Republican in that office in nearly 50 years, is campaigning on eliminating the state income tax, restoring the 'Right to Work' law, ending DEI mandates in government and schools, and overhauling public education. On the Democratic side, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II is running, emphasizing his work on housing, healthcare, and bipartisan solutions, with calls for more infrastructure and education investment. Other Democratic candidates include Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is running as an independent. Governor Gretchen Whitmer is term-limited and cannot seek reelection.