The political landscape in the Mitten is basically a pressure cooker right now. Gretchen Whitmer is packing her bags due to term limits, and that has left a massive power vacuum in Lansing. Most folks think it’s just going to be another standard red-versus-blue slugfest, but honestly, 2026 is looking way weirder than that. We’ve got a legendary Detroit mayor ditching his party to run as an independent, a high-profile Congressman trying to finally secure a statewide win, and a Secretary of State who has been in the national spotlight for years.
It’s a lot to keep track of.
Michigan has this long-standing tradition—sorta like an unwritten rule—where we flip the governor’s mansion to the opposing party every eight years. Since Democrats have held the keys since 2018, history says it's the Republicans' turn. But with the current field of governor candidates in Michigan, history might just get its lunch eaten.
The Wildcard: Mike Duggan’s Independent Gamble
Let’s talk about the elephant—or rather, the non-partisan independent—in the room. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan shocked pretty much everyone when he announced he was running for governor. He didn't just announce, though; he announced he was doing it without a "D" or an "R" next to his name.
Duggan has been the face of Detroit’s "comeback" for over a decade. He’s got the name ID. He’s got the fundraising machine. But running as an independent in a state as polarized as Michigan? That’s bold. Or crazy. Maybe both.
His whole pitch is basically: "I can work with anyone to get stuff done." He’s leaning hard into his record of fixing streetlights and balancing budgets in Detroit. The risk is that he might end up just being a spoiler. Republicans think he'll pull votes from the Democrats; Democrats think he'll pull the "moderate" Republicans who are tired of the MAGA movement.
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The Democratic Frontrunners: Benson and the Field
With Whitmer out, Jocelyn Benson is the name everyone is watching. As Secretary of State, she’s become a household name, largely because she’s been the one defending Michigan’s election results under intense scrutiny.
Benson isn't just coasting. She’s already raised millions.
Early polling from Mitchell Research and Communications shows her hovering near 50% in a potential primary. That’s a massive head start. She’s positioning herself as the defender of democracy, but she’s also talking a lot about "affordability"—the word you’re going to hear about ten thousand times this year. She recently called healthcare costs the "defining issue" of 2026.
But she isn’t alone.
- Garlin Gilchrist II: The current Lieutenant Governor. He’s been Whitmer’s right hand for years. He’s got a tech background (former Microsoft engineer) and deep roots in Detroit.
- Chris Swanson: The Genesee County Sheriff. You might remember him from the 2020 protests when he took off his helmet and walked with marchers. He’s trying to bridge the gap between law enforcement and progressive voters.
- Marni Sawicki: The former mayor of Cape Coral, Florida. She’s a bit of a wildcard, focusing heavily on government transparency and open-record acts.
The Republican Pursuit: Can John James Finally Close the Deal?
On the GOP side, U.S. Rep. John James is the heavy hitter. He’s run for statewide office before—twice for Senate—and came close, but never quite crossed the finish line. Now, he’s leaving his safe 10th Congressional District seat to go for the big chair.
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James has the Army veteran resume and the business background. He’s also one of the best fundraisers the Michigan GOP has seen in years. In some early primary polls, he’s leading his closest GOP rivals by double digits.
The Republican field is getting crowded, though. It’s not just a coronation for James.
- Mike Cox: The former Attorney General. He’s a Marine veteran who knows the Lansing game inside and out. He’s been out of the spotlight for a while, but he’s already shown he can raise serious cash—nearly $6 million according to recent filings.
- Aric Nesbitt: The State Senate Minority Leader. If you want the "Make Michigan Great Again" candidate, he’s likely it. He’s got a strong base in rural Michigan and isn't afraid to lean into the culture wars.
- Tom Leonard: Former House Speaker. He’s run for Attorney General before and has a lot of fans in the establishment wing of the party.
What’s Actually Driving This Race?
People aren't just voting for a name; they're voting for their wallets. Michigan is currently 49th in the nation for population growth since 1990. That’s a terrifying stat for anyone living here. We’re an aging state, and our kids are moving to Chicago or Nashville or literally anywhere else with better weather and more jobs.
Affordability is the buzzword for a reason.
Rent is up 35% in metro Detroit. Our electric bills are the highest in the Midwest. When you look at the governor candidates in Michigan, the one who can actually explain how they’ll lower the cost of a carton of eggs or a monthly energy bill is probably going to win.
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Then there’s the Trump factor. Donald Trump won Michigan in 2024. He won’t be on the ballot in 2026, but his influence is everywhere. For Republicans, the challenge is keeping the MAGA base energized without alienating the suburban moms in Oakland County. For Democrats, it’s about proving they can lead without the "Whitmer bump."
The Elephant in the Room: A Constitutional Convention?
It’s not just about the people; it’s about the rules. In 2026, Michigan voters have to decide if they want to hold a constitutional convention. This happens every 16 years. If voters say "yes," we could basically rewrite the state’s entire governing document.
This adds a layer of chaos. Candidates are going to have to take a stand on whether we should throw the whole playbook out and start over.
Why the Primary Matters More Than Usual
The August 4th primary is going to be a bloodbath. Because there’s no incumbent, these primaries are wide open. In the past, we’ve seen candidates blow through all their cash in the primary only to be broke by the time the general election rolls around in November.
Watch the cash-on-hand numbers. As of late 2025, Mike Cox and Jocelyn Benson were leading the pack. But money doesn't always buy love in Michigan—just ask some of the wealthy self-funders who’ve lost here in the past.
How to Navigate the 2026 Election Cycle
If you’re trying to stay informed without losing your mind, here is how you should actually track these governor candidates in Michigan:
- Check the receipts: Don't listen to the TV ads. Look at the Michigan Secretary of State’s campaign finance portal. See who is actually cutting the checks for these campaigns. Is it small donors or massive PACs?
- Ignore the early head-to-head polls: Polling two years out is mostly about name recognition. It tells you who people know, not who they like.
- Watch the debates: Michigan voters actually care about the "town hall" style. Look for how candidates handle unscripted questions about local issues like the Soo Locks, the auto industry transition, or Line 5.
- Follow local reporters: The folks at Bridge Michigan, the Detroit Free Press, and the Lansing State Journal are in the trenches. They’ll catch the nuances that national outlets miss.
The filing deadline for candidates is April 21, 2026. Until then, expect the list of names to keep growing. Michigan is a true purple state, and the road to the governor’s mansion is going to be paved with a lot of expensive ads and even more door-knocking. Stay sharp.