Last Update: June 26, 2026. Garlin Gilchrist vs. Anthony Forlini: who should run Michigan's...
Last update: June 26, 2026. Get to know the 2026 Michigan Governor candidates, their backgrounds, and current roles. Stay informed with our comprehensive, nonpartisan guide.
Table of Contents
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About the Governor
- Where does the Governor's race stand?
- Who Is the Current Governor of Michigan?
- What Does the Governor Do?
- How Long Is the Governor's Term, and Are There Term Limits?
- Michigan's Report Card: Where Does the State Stand?
The Candidates
What are the candidates talking about?
Who Are the Democratic Candidates for Governor?
- Jocelyn Benson, Secretary of State
- Chris Swanson, Genesee County Sheriff
Who Are the Republican Candidates for Governor?
- John James, U.S. Representative
- Mike Cox, CEO / Former MI Attorney General
- Perry Johnson, Perry Johnson Companies, Owner
More Insights
- Who is Raising the Most Money in the Governor's Race?
- How much outside spending is flowing into the Michigan Governor's race?
- What Should You Look for in a Governor?
- How Do I Vote in Michigan?
- More Articles & Resources
Introduction
Michigan is about to choose its next governor. This is the biggest state race in 2026.
The basics
Gretchen Whitmer has led Michigan for eight years. She can't run again. And the race to replace her is one of the most competitive and closely watched governor's races in the country.
What started as one of the most crowded fields in Michigan history has narrowed significantly. The primary is August 4th. The general election is November 3rd. Between now and then, the field will continue to narrow, positions will sharpen, and the stakes will get clearer.
This guide is your starting point — a plain-language look at who's running, what they stand for, and what questions are worth asking.
Where things stand with the candidates
The field
The 2026 governor's race started as one of the most crowded fields in Michigan history, with 17 candidates across three parties — an independent (Mike Duggan), five Democrats (Jocelyn Benson, Chris Swanson, Marni Sawicki, Kim Thomas, and Kevin Hogan), and ten Republicans (John James, Mike Cox, Tom Leonard, Aric Nesbitt, Perry Johnson, Ralph Rebandt, Karla Wagner, Anthony Hudson, Joyce Gipson, and Evan Space), plus Garlin Gilchrist, who left early to run for Secretary of State instead.
Twelve have since dropped out, been disqualified, or left the party: Sawicki and Hogan ended their campaigns in early 2026; Leonard, Space, Gipson, and Wagner withdrew over the following months; Anthony Hudson left the Republican Party for the Libertarian ticket; Kim Thomas and Ralph Rebandt were disqualified by the Bureau of Elections for insufficient valid signatures (Rebandt's disqualification was later upheld by the Michigan Supreme Court); Mike Duggan dropped his independent bid on May 21, citing national political headwinds; and Aric Nesbitt suspended his campaign on June 22 after President Trump endorsed John James.
That leaves five active candidates heading into the August 4 primary: Democrats Jocelyn Benson and Chris Swanson, and Republicans John James, Mike Cox, and Perry Johnson.
The polling
The Democratic primary is not close. Jocelyn Benson leads significantly, with polling consistently showing her well ahead of Chris Swanson. A Detroit Regional Chamber poll showed Benson at nearly 60% support among Democratic primary voters.
The Republican primary shifted dramatically on June 22, when President Trump endorsed John James, prompting Aric Nesbitt to drop out of the race and endorse James the same day. Before the endorsement, a Mitchell Research & Communications poll for MIRS (June 11–13) had shown Mike Cox in a statistical dead heat with James — 27% to 28%. Whether Trump's endorsement moves James back into a clear lead, or whether Cox and Perry Johnson remain competitive, is one of the biggest open questions heading into August. No post-endorsement poll has been released yet.
In general election matchups, the race is rated a toss-up by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report. A May 2026 poll showed Benson leading James 34% to 29% in a hypothetical general election matchup.
The money
Through year-end 2025 filings, Jocelyn Benson and Mike Cox led all candidates in total funds, though Cox's totals are heavily padded by more than $3.5 million in personal loans to his own campaign. John James has the strongest donor fundraising on the Republican side and also has an additional $4.8 million sitting in a separate independent PAC. Perry Johnson entered the race in late January 2026 after the reporting period and has been primarily self-funding, pledging $9 million of his own money.
As of late June 2026, candidates and outside groups have spent more than $50 million on advertising in the governor's race — nearly half of it from self-funded Republican Perry Johnson alone, according to Bridge Michigan.
See the full fundraising breakdown in the Where the Money Is section below.
The national environment
The 2026 governor's race is playing out against an unusually charged national backdrop. Surging Democratic energy — driven by voter frustration over federal policy decisions including military engagement with Iran, tariff impacts on Michigan's auto industry, and federal spending cuts affecting Medicaid and other programs — shifted the political math significantly enough that independent candidate Mike Duggan cited it as a primary reason for exiting the race.
Whether that energy translates into a Democratic advantage in November, or whether Republican candidates can effectively localize the race around Michigan-specific economic concerns, is one of the central questions heading into August.
At the same time, national Republican forces have moved decisively to shape the GOP primary directly — Trump's endorsement of James and the resulting consolidation behind him show that national party muscle, not just national mood, is actively shaping how this race unfolds.
Key dates
- Primary Election: August 4, 2026
- General Election: November 3, 2026
About the Governorship
Who Is the Current Governor of Michigan?
Gretchen Whitmer (D)
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Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan's current governor, is term-limited and cannot seek reelection in 2026 after serving the maximum two four-year terms. As a result, the office will be open in the next election cycle.
How Long Is the Governor's Term, and Are There Term Limits?
- Term length: 4 years
- Term limits: 2 terms (8 years total)
- Next Election: November 2026
What Does the Governor Do?
The Michigan Governor is the state's chief executive — the person ultimately responsible for running state government, setting the agenda for Michigan's future, and making decisions that affect every resident's daily life. Unlike legislators who vote on laws, the Governor is the one who has to implement them, fund them, and manage the massive system of agencies and departments that actually deliver services to people.
Sign or veto legislation.
Every bill passed by the Michigan Legislature lands on the Governor's desk. The Governor can sign it into law, veto it entirely, or use a line-item veto to reject specific spending provisions. This power makes the Governor a central player in every major policy debate — even ones happening in the Capitol building across the street.
Propose the state budget.
The Governor submits Michigan's annual budget, a document that reflects the administration's priorities and shapes how billions of dollars in state and federal funds are spent — on schools, roads, public health, law enforcement, and much more. The legislature negotiates and votes on the final version, but the Governor's proposal sets the starting point.
Lead Michigan's executive branch.
The Governor oversees dozens of state departments and agencies — from the Department of Education to the Department of Health and Human Services to the State Police. Hiring department directors, setting priorities, and holding agencies accountable are all the Governor's responsibility.
Respond to emergencies.
When crises hit — natural disasters, public health emergencies, energy shortages, economic disruptions — the Governor has broad authority to act quickly. Emergency declarations and executive orders allow the office to mobilize resources, waive certain regulations, and coordinate a statewide response in ways that the legislature simply can't do at speed.
Issue executive orders and directives.
Beyond emergencies, the Governor can issue executive orders that direct how state government operates, reorganize agencies, and set policy priorities without waiting for legislative action. These orders carry the force of law within the executive branch.
Represent Michigan on the national stage.
The Governor is Michigan's highest-profile representative in negotiations with the federal government, other states, and, in many cases, international partners — particularly relevant for a state whose economy is deeply tied to trade, manufacturing, and the auto industry.
Appoint judges and officials.
When vacancies arise on state courts or in appointed positions across state government, it's the Governor who fills them. These appointments can shape Michigan's legal and policy landscape for years beyond a single term.
The scope of the office means the Governor's values, priorities, and management style have consequences that reach into nearly every corner of Michigan life — from what your kids are taught in school, to how long it takes to fix the road in front of your house, to whether the state stands up for Michigan families when Washington cuts funding or changes the rules.
Michigan's Report Card: Where Does the State Stand?
Before diving into the candidates, it helps to understand what the next governor is actually walking into. By several key measures, Michigan has fallen significantly over the past few decades. The state now ranks near the bottom nationally on:
- per capita income
- fourth-grade reading proficiency
- the percentage of adults with a post-secondary degree or credential
These aren't new problems — they've developed across multiple administrations and both political parties.
What makes this moment unusual is that most Michiganders don't know how far the state has slipped. Recent polling from the Detroit Regional Chamber found that residents tend to see Michigan as a middle-of-the-pack state. The data tells a different story.
Population loss compounds the challenge. When young people leave for other states — and when employers follow — it becomes harder to generate the tax base needed to improve schools, infrastructure, and public services. Ohio and Indiana have been more competitive in attracting companies and jobs in recent years, a trend Michigan's business community has flagged as a serious long-term concern.
None of this points to a single cause or a single solution. But it does set the stakes for this race. The next governor will inherit both the challenge and the opportunity to change the trajectory.
Candidates
What Are the Candidates Talking About?
The 2026 governor's race is still taking shape, but a few issues keep coming up across all campaigns. Here's a plain-language look at where the two parties generally stand.
The Economy & Cost of Living
Both parties agree Michigan families are feeling financial pressure. Democrats want the state to step in on healthcare costs, housing, and childcare. Republicans want to cut or eliminate the state income tax and reduce regulation to put more money back in people's pockets.
Education
Everyone agrees Michigan's schools need improvement — the state ranks near the bottom nationally. Democrats focus on investing in public schools and expanding affordable childcare. Republicans focus on school choice, phonics-based reading instruction, and giving parents more control over their children's education.
- 2026-04-10 As Michigan falls further behind, some ask: Time to overhaul high school [Bridge Michigan]
- 2026-03-23 Bridge Listens: How Michigan’s next governor will try to fix K-12 schools [Bridge Michigan]
Population Loss
Michigan has been losing residents for years. Democrats argue quality of life — better schools, healthcare, and opportunity — is what keeps families here. Republicans argue lower taxes and a smaller government will make Michigan more competitive with states like Florida and Texas.
AI Data Centers
Michigan has become a flashpoint in the national debate over AI data centers — large facilities that house the computing infrastructure powering artificial intelligence tools. Michigan currently has 59 data centers, with many more in various stages of approval or construction. The Center Square
The most high-profile proposal is a $7 billion facility in Saline Township developed for OpenAI and Oracle, which would be one of the largest in the country.
Opposition to data centers is cutting across all political, socioeconomic, and cultural lines, with facilities being opposed in heavily Republican rural communities, heavily Democratic urban areas, wealthy suburbs, and lower-income communities alike. Bridge Michigan
The core concerns from residents include:
- Higher energy bills for homeowners and businesses
- Large-scale use of farmland, fresh water, and electricity
- Lack of transparency and public input in the approval process
- Potential delays to Michigan's clean energy transition
At a Michigan House Oversight Committee hearing in April 2026, nearly every public commenter spoke against data centers, with many calling for a statewide moratorium and repeal of existing tax breaks for the facilities. WILX
Supporters argue data centers bring jobs, tax revenue, and critical digital infrastructure. The debate over how Michigan regulates — or welcomes — these facilities is expected to be a significant issue in the 2026 governor's race.
- 2026-04-23 Michigan’s gubernatorial hopefuls share approaches to AI data center regulations at press forum [Michigan Advance]
Government & Spending
Democrats want more transparency and ethics reform in state government. Republicans want significant cuts to government spending and agencies, often comparing it to the federal "DOGE" effort.
Issues, positions, and candidates can change as the race develops. Michigan Women will continue tracking the race and sharing updates.
Don't Just Vote on Vibes
The governor's race touches nearly every issue Michigan families care about — healthcare costs, school funding, jobs, reproductive rights, and a state budget facing a $1.8 billion gap made worse by federal cuts. Before deciding who you want in that office, it helps to know where you stand on the issues they'll be deciding.
Explore the Michigan Election Issues 2026 Voter Guide →
Who Are the Democratic Candidates for Governor?
Jocelyn Benson (D)
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Positions
- Affordability as the central theme: make Michigan more affordable on housing, healthcare, and childcare
- Create a caregiver tax credit for Michiganders caring for a family member
- Establish a prescription drug affordability board to keep medicine costs in check
- Expand state DHHS authority to resolve insurance disputes and improve access
- Take Michigan public schools to the top 10 nationally
- Protect reproductive rights and the voter-approved Prop 3 protections
- Efficiency and transparency in state government — eliminate waste, reduce bureaucracy
- Implement a "firewall" policy to manage conflict of interest as Secretary of State while running for governor
Endorsed by the 13th Congressional District Democratic Party; the United Auto Workers (UAW — June 5, 2026), Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield (June 15, 2026, following Duggan's withdrawal), strong support from organized labor and voting rights organizations, the Michigan AFL-CIO (the state's largest labor federation) and SEIU Michigan, both endorsed in June 2026, adding to her institutional support among organized labor.
Career
- Elected Michigan Secretary of State in 2018 and reelected in 2022 — first Democrat to hold the office in nearly three decades; modernized the office by doubling online services, installing 100+ self-service stations statewide, and launching mobile offices for underserved residents
- Served as Dean of Wayne State University Law School before entering elected office
- Earlier career included civil rights law, academic writing on voting rights, and founding the nonpartisan voting rights organization Democracy Works
- Author of State Secrets, a book on election security and disinformation
Personal
- Born October 22, 1977; grew up in Michigan
- Earned her undergraduate degree from Wellesley College — where she founded the Women in American Political Activism conference and became the first student elected to Wellesley's governing board — followed by graduate study at Oxford and a law degree from Harvard Law School
- Lives in Ferndale, Oakland County, with her husband Ryan Friedrichs and their son
Chris Swanson (D)
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Positions
- Public safety and law enforcement as a foundation for everything else: "protect, serve, and unify"
- Attract manufacturing and new industries — including AI and technology sectors — to create Michigan jobs
- Support organized labor; received the Tri-County Building & Construction Trades Council's Person of the Year award
- Expand inmate education and reentry programs statewide, based on his IGNITE model in Genesee County
- Combat human trafficking through law enforcement coordination modeled on the GHOST task force
- Community policing and building trust between law enforcement and residents
Endorsed by labor organizations including the Tri-County Building & Construction Trades Council; backed by prosecutors and law enforcement leadership in Genesee County. The Detroit News editorial board endorsed Chris Swanson over Jocelyn Benson in the Democratic primary — a notable break from Benson's frontrunner status and broad institutional support.
Career
- Appointed Genesee County Sheriff in 2019; elected to the position in 2020 and reelected in 2024, outperforming Kamala Harris's vote share by nearly 14 points in the county
- Founded the Genesee Human Oppression Strike Team (GHOST) in 2018, a multi-agency unit focused on human trafficking and child predators; the program has become a national model and arrested more than 200 predators
- Founded the IGNITE program — allowing Genesee County Jail inmates to attend school two hours a day, five days a week — which has since expanded to jails across Michigan and around the country
- Gained national attention in 2020 when he joined protesters marching in Flint following the death of George Floyd, launching the "Walk With Me" movement
Personal
- Has nearly three decades of law enforcement experience across corrections, criminal investigations, human trafficking, and narcotics
- Holds both a bachelor's and master's degree in public administration from the University of Michigan
- Lives in Fenton, Genesee County
Who Are the Republican Candidates for Governor?
John James (R)
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Positions
- "Freedom Agenda": ethics reform, transparency, and ending fraud and waste in state government
- Pass a parents' bill of rights — giving parents more say over their children's education
- Aligned with President Trump's America First agenda; has described Michigan and Trump as being "in each other's corner"
- Lower costs through tax relief and deregulation; support for cutting government spending
- Strong manufacturing economy: bring back jobs by supporting trade and energy policy
- Secure the border; aligned with the administration's immigration enforcement priorities
- Expand school choice; improve reading instruction and student literacy
- Second Amendment — opposes gun control legislation
Endorsed by multiple Republican state representatives and House colleagues; ran with broad name recognition from prior statewide campaigns.
On June 22, 2026, President Trump issued what he called his 'Complete and Total Endorsement' of James on Truth Social, three days before Michigan's absentee voting window opened. Trump praised James's military and business background and said he would 'fight tirelessly' on the economy, taxes, energy, and border security. The endorsement immediately reshaped the Republican primary — Nesbitt dropped out and endorsed James within hours.
Career
- Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2022, representing Michigan's 10th Congressional District (Macomb County area), after two unsuccessful runs for U.S. Senate in 2018 and 2020 against Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, respectively; also ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2022
- Served on the House Energy and Commerce Committee; was a vocal advocate for repealing California EV emission waivers
- Founded and led James Group International, a Detroit-based supply chain and logistics company serving the automotive industry
- Served as an Army Ranger and Black Hawk helicopter pilot, completing tours in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom
Personal
- Born June 8, 1981; grew up in the Detroit area
- Graduate of West Point; later earned an MBA from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business
- Lives in Shelby Township, Macomb County, with his wife and children
Race Note
James has repeatedly suggested, without providing evidence, that Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson "rigged" the 2020 election against him and Trump. James lost his 2020 U.S. Senate race to Gary Peters by about 1.7 percentage points; Trump lost Michigan to Biden by about 2.8 points that year. The Michigan Democratic Party has called the claims "conspiracy theories." James has also said he would pursue "consequences" for those he believes wronged Republicans in 2020 if elected governor.
Mike Cox (R)
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Positions
- Eliminate Michigan's 4.25% state income tax entirely
- Restore Michigan's Right to Work law, which was repealed in 2024
- End DEI mandates in government and public schools
- Refocus schools on core skills — literacy and math — with accountability measures
- Cut state government spending through a DOGE-style efficiency initiative
- School choice: give parents more options beyond traditional public schools
- "Make Michigan Great Again" — positioned as a state that can make Florida and Texas "look to us for ideas"
- Protect the Second Amendment; aligned with the Trump administration on federal policy
Endorsed by police organizations; backed by conservative donors and the Michigan business community
Career
- Served as Michigan Attorney General from 2003 to 2011 — the first Republican to hold the office in approximately 50 years; won two statewide elections
- As AG, created Michigan's first child support enforcement division, helped 56,000 homeowners renegotiate mortgages after the 2009 recession, and launched the Michigan Cyber Safety Initiative that taught online safety to more than 500,000 schoolchildren
- Ran for governor in 2010, finishing third in the Republican primary
- After leaving office, built a private law practice (the Mike Cox Law Firm)
- His wife Laura Cox is a former ICE special agent and former chair of the Michigan Republican Party
Personal
- Born December 30, 1961; lives in Livonia, Wayne County
- Graduate of the University of Michigan for both undergraduate and law school
- Marine Corps veteran
- Married to Laura Cox; they have four children
Perry Johnson (R)
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Positions
- Eliminate Michigan's 4.25% state income tax in phases — his signature issue; claims this would save the average family of four nearly $4,747 per year (note: Bridge Michigan analysis found this overstates savings for most families)
- End wasteful spending by modernizing state processes, consolidating duplicative programs, and applying performance-based management
- Audit every dollar of state spending and demand accountability
- Run state government with the efficiency and results-driven mindset of the private sector
- Positioned as a business-world outsider; ran briefly for U.S. president in 2023 before endorsing Trump
Career
- Founder and owner of Perry Johnson Companies Group, a quality management consulting firm he built helping auto manufacturers implement ISO quality standards; his firm is credited with helping save the auto industry during its quality crisis of the 1980s and 1990s
- Ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2022 — was one of five candidates whose nominating signatures were invalidated, keeping him off the primary ballot
- Ran a short-lived presidential campaign in 2023, dropping out and endorsing Donald Trump before the primary
- Has self-funded heavily in this race, committing millions to advertising
Personal
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- Born January 23, 1948; age 78
- Lives in Bloomfield Hills, Oakland County
- Built his fortune in business consulting; describes his background in quality management as directly applicable to reforming state government.
Race Notes
In June 2026, Johnson ran ads suggesting Trump had not endorsed John James and questioning his standing with the president. After Trump's June 22 endorsement of James, Johnson's campaign pulled the ad. Johnson has also run ads criticizing both Cox and James over their relationships with Trump.
Who is Raising the Most Money in the Governor's Race?
Fundraising is often an indicator of organizational strength and voter enthusiasm. The most recent complete campaign finance filings cover through December 31, 2025. Perry Johnson entered the race in late January 2026 after this reporting period and has been primarily self-funding his campaign.
Note: Michigan campaign finance law caps individual contributions at $8,325 per election. Candidates may also loan their own campaigns unlimited amounts.
As of late June 2026, candidates and outside groups have spent more than $50 million on advertising in the governor's race — nearly half of it from self-funded Republican Perry Johnson alone.
|
Candidate |
Party |
Total Raised |
Cash on Hand |
|
Jocelyn Benson |
Democrat |
$5.7M* |
$3.5M |
|
Mike Cox |
Republican |
$5.1M** |
$4.1M |
|
John James |
Republican |
$4.5M |
$2.4M |
|
Chris Swanson |
Democrat |
~$1.4M |
~$270K |
|
Aric Nesbitt |
Republican |
$2.7M |
$2.1M |
|
Perry Johnson |
Republican |
Self-funded |
N/A† |
*Benson's $5.7M total includes $1.2M transferred from her prior Secretary of State campaign committee; new donor fundraising closer to $4.5M.
**Cox's $5.1M total includes more than $3.5M in personal loans to his own campaign. Donor fundraising approximately $1.6M.
†Johnson entered the race January 26, 2026, after the reporting period, pledging $9 million of his own money and initially declining to fundraise from donors.
Source: Michigan Bureau of Elections campaign finance filings, as reported by Bridge Michigan and Detroit News, February 2026. Figures reflect totals through December 31, 2025.
How much outside spending is flowing into the Michigan Governor's race?
Understanding political committees and campaign finance laws is crucial for informed voting. The Michigan governor's race has attracted more than 100 registered political committees — one of the largest concentrations of outside money in state history, reflecting just how high the stakes are in this race.
Outside spending comes in two forms. Some committees are truly independent — they spend money to support or oppose candidates without coordinating with campaigns. Others are candidate-aligned leadership PACs that are affiliated with a specific candidate's political network. Both must register and report, but the rules on disclosure and coordination differ. For a plain-language explanation of how PACs work and why they matter, read our guide: What Are Political Committees (PACs) in Elections
The organizations below represent a sample of who is spending to influence this election. You can search the full list of active committees at mi-boe.entellitrak.com.
Candidate-Aligned Committees
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- Cox Majority PAC / Cox Leadership PAC — Two political committees affiliated with Republican candidate Mike Cox, reflecting candidate-aligned outside spending in the Republican primary.
- Nesbitt for Michigan / Nesbitt Majority Fund / Nesbitt Majority Fund 2 — Multiple committees affiliated with Republican candidate Aric Nesbitt, mobilizing his legislative fundraising infrastructure for the governor's race.
Business & Industry
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- Cleveland Cliffs Inc PAC — Political arm of Cleveland-Cliffs, one of the largest flat-rolled steel producers in North America and a major employer in Michigan's auto supply chain. https://www.clevelandcliffs.com/
- Rocket State PAC — Political action committee affiliated with Rocket Companies and founder Dan Gilbert, the Detroit-based billionaire behind Rocket Mortgage and Bedrock real estate. https://www.rocketcompanies.com/
- Detroit Regional Chamber Political Action Committee — Business community PAC representing one of the largest regional chambers in the country. Has been an active early endorser in the governor's race. https://www.detroitchamber.com/
- Chaldean Chamber Political Action Committee — Political arm of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce, representing Michigan's large Iraqi-Chaldean business community. https://www.chaldeanchamber.com/
Law Firms
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- Miller Canfield PAC — Political arm of one of Michigan's largest and most prominent law firms. https://www.millercanfield.com/
- Jaffe Snider Raitt Heuer and Weiss Political Committee — Political arm of another major Michigan law firm. https://www.jaffelaw.com/
Labor Unions
- Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters Political Action Committee — Labor union PAC representing carpenters and millwrights across Michigan. https://www.mrccarpenters.org/
- UNITE HERE TIP Campaign Committee – Michigan — Labor union PAC representing hospitality workers including hotel, restaurant, and casino employees. https://unitehere.org/
- United Food and Commercial Workers Active Ballot Club — Labor union PAC representing grocery, meatpacking, and retail workers across Michigan. https://www.ufcw.org/
Progressive & Democratic-Aligned
- Emily's List Michigan — PAC affiliated with the national organization focused on electing Democratic pro-choice women to office. https://www.emilyslist.org/
- End Citizens United Non-Federal — National campaign finance reform PAC working to overturn the Citizens United Supreme Court decision and reduce the influence of big money in politics. https://endcitizensunited.org/
- Great Lakes Action Fund MI — Progressive advocacy PAC focused on Michigan elections. No public website identified.
- Michigan List — Progressive PAC focused on electing Democratic women in Michigan. No public website identified.
Conservative & Republican Aligned
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- Make Michigan Great Again — Independent expenditure committee aligned with the Trump political movement. Registered as an independent expenditure committee, meaning it can spend unlimited amounts but must disclose that spending. No public website identified.
- Michigan Values Leadership Fund / MI Values Leadership Fund II — Conservative advocacy PACs active in Michigan legislative and statewide races. No public website identified.
- Make Michigan Grow Again PAC / Make Michigan Safe Again PAC — Two newly registered independent expenditure committees. No public website identified at time of publication. Worth monitoring as the primary approaches.
- Mission Michigan — Independent expenditure committee active in the race. Funding sources and affiliations not yet publicly identified. No public website identified.
What Should You Look for in a Governor?
Once you understand what the governor does, the next question is: what kind of experience and leadership help someone do the job well? Because the governor leads the entire executive branch and helps shape statewide priorities, the role requires a rare combination of strategic thinking, management depth, and public leadership — all at once.
Executive leadership.
The governor oversees dozens of state departments, thousands of employees, and a budget in the tens of billions of dollars. A strong candidate has real experience leading large, complex organizations — not just working within them. The ability to set direction, delegate effectively, and hold people accountable matters at this scale.
Policy judgment
The governor makes decisions that involve real tradeoffs — between competing priorities, limited dollars, and uncertain outcomes. Strong policy judgment means being able to evaluate complex information, weigh short-term and long-term consequences, and make calls that hold up over time, not just ones that poll well in the moment.
Budget and financial understanding.
Michigan's state budget is one of the governor's most powerful tools. A candidate who understands how state budgets are built — revenue sources, federal funding, spending constraints, and economic ripple effects — is better equipped to make smart decisions when resources are tight and priorities conflict.
Crisis management.
Emergencies don't give much warning. Whether it's a public health crisis, a natural disaster, an energy emergency, or an economic shock, the governor needs to act quickly and competently under pressure. A candidate's past experience responding to high-stakes, fast-moving situations — and their record of decision-making in those moments — is worth examining closely.
Collaboration and negotiation.
The governor can't govern alone. Passing a budget, advancing priorities, and managing a complex state requires working with the legislature, local governments, federal agencies, tribal nations, and the business community — often across sharp disagreements. The ability to find common ground without abandoning core commitments is a real skill, and not everyone has it.
Understanding of state government.
Michigan's executive branch is large and complicated, and the governor's authority has real legal limits. A candidate who understands how state agencies work, how law and policy interact, and where executive power ends is less likely to overreach — and more likely to be effective within the system as it actually exists.
Communication with the public.
The governor is Michigan's most visible public official. The ability to explain decisions clearly, speak honestly about tradeoffs, and communicate with residents across the state — not just supporters — is part of the job description. How a candidate communicates on the campaign trail often reflects how they'd communicate from the office.
Accountability and transparency.
The governor sets the ethical tone for state government. A candidate's personal and professional track record — how they've handled mistakes, whether they've been open about their decisions, and how they've treated the public trust — deserves serious scrutiny. Voters are essentially hiring someone to steward enormous public resources and authority on their behalf.
How Do I Vote in Michigan?
Knowing who's running is only half the equation. Here's how to make sure your vote actually counts on August 4th (primary) and November 3rd (general election).
Start here: Look up your personal voter information
The Michigan Voter Information Center has everything you need in one place. Enter your information at mvic.sos.state.mi.us and you'll see:
- Whether you're registered to vote
- Your polling location on Election Day
- Your early voting location and hours
- Your absentee ballot status
- Your drop box locations
- All of your voting districts — county, state house, state senate, U.S. Congress, school board, and more
- Your local clerk's contact information
Key dates
- Primary Election: August 4, 2026
- General Election: November 3, 2026
- Early voting is available — check the MVIC site for your specific location and hours
- Michigan allows same-day voter registration at your local clerk's office
Not registered?
You can register online atmvic.sos.state.mi.usif you have a Michigan driver's license or state ID, by mail, or in person at your local clerk's office. If you're registering within 14 days of an election, you must do so in person.
Voter information is maintained by the Michigan Secretary of State. Contact your local clerk if you have questions about your specific situation.
More Articles & Resources
Looking for more information on the Michigan governor's race? The following resources offer additional coverage, candidate profiles, and election tracking from news organizations and nonpartisan sources.
Voter Guides & Election Trackers
- WDET 101.9 FM (Detroit Public Radio) — 2026 Voter Guide
Detroit Public Radio's comprehensive voter guide covering candidates, ballot access, and key issues across Michigan's 2026 races.
https://wdet.org/2026voterguide/ - Michigan Advance — Governor's Race Voter Guide
Ongoing coverage and candidate profiles from Michigan Advance, a nonprofit news organization covering state government and politics.
https://michiganadvance.com/voter-guides/contests/governor/ - Ballotpedia — Michigan Gubernatorial Election, 2026
Nonpartisan encyclopedia-style overview of the race, including candidate lists, election history, and primary details.
https://ballotpedia.org/Michigan_gubernatorial_and_lieutenant_gubernatorial_election,_2026 - Ballotpedia — August 4 Democratic Primary
Focused overview of the Democratic primary field and ballot.
https://ballotpedia.org/Michigan_gubernatorial_election,_2026_(August_4_Democratic_primary) - Cook Political Report — Michigan Governor Race Rating
The nonpartisan Cook Political Report's current competitiveness rating for the general election.
https://www.cookpolitical.com/governor/race/479531
News Coverage
- Wikipedia — 2026 Michigan Gubernatorial Election
Running summary of the race with candidate information, polling, and fundraising data.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_Michigan_gubernatorial_election - CBS News Detroit — Candidates Running for Michigan Governor
Candidate roundup from CBS Detroit.
https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/candidates-running-for-michigan-governor/ - Click On Detroit — Who's on the Ballot
Local news overview of confirmed ballot candidates.
https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2026/05/25/whos-on-the-ballot-for-michigans-governor-in-the-2026-election-heres-a-list/ - WXYZ Detroit — 2026 Michigan Governor Election
Local news coverage of the governor's race from WXYZ.
https://www.wxyz.com/news/2026-michigan-governor-election - The Michigan Independent — Who's Running for Michigan Governor
Candidate overview and race coverage from The Michigan Independent.
https://michiganindependent.com/politics/whos-running-for-michigan-governor-in-2026/
Content Disclaimer: Our team researches information from official websites, news outlets, and other public resources to make it easier for Michigan residents to stay informed. We strive to provide accurate, balanced, and up-to-date information, but we may occasionally miss updates or changes. Michigan Women is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and does not support or oppose any political candidate or party. This content is intended solely for civic education and public awareness.
