You’ve probably seen the headlines or maybe you were scrolling through your feed and saw someone arguing about the "Michigan governor election 2024." It sounds right, doesn't it? We just had a massive presidential cycle, the yard signs were out in full force, and Michigan was—as usual—the center of the political universe.
But here’s the thing: There was no governor election in Michigan in 2024. I know, it feels like we’re always voting for something big here. But if you went to the polls looking for a name to replace or keep Gretchen Whitmer, you didn't find one. Michigan picks its governors during the midterms. That means the last one was in 2022, and the next big showdown isn't until 2026.
Honestly, the confusion makes sense. 2024 was a year of absolute political whiplash for the Mitten State. We had the presidential race, a high-stakes Senate battle, and a fight for the state House that actually changed the balance of power in Lansing. Even without a governor on the ballot, the ghost of the "Big Gretch" administration was everywhere.
Why the 2024 cycle felt like a governor's race
Even though Whitmer wasn't up for reelection, her influence was basically the invisible hand in every 2024 contest. You saw it in the ads. You heard it in the stump speeches.
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Donald Trump ended up flipping Michigan back to the Republican column in November 2024, beating Kamala Harris by about 1.4%. That’s a huge deal because it effectively ended the "Democratic Trifecta" momentum we saw in 2022. Republicans also managed to claw back a majority in the Michigan House of Representatives.
This shift is huge. It means for the final two years of her term, Governor Whitmer has to deal with a divided government again. The days of passing massive, progressive policy packages with lightning speed—like the repeal of the Right-to-Work law or the codification of abortion rights—are pretty much over for now.
The 2026 scramble is already starting
Since there was no Michigan governor election 2024, everyone is looking toward 2026. And let me tell you, it’s going to be a circus. Gretchen Whitmer is term-limited, so she’s out. No matter what, we’re getting someone new.
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The names being tossed around right now aren't just guesses; people are already raising money and "exploring" runs. On the Democratic side, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is looking like a frontrunner. She’s built a huge national profile around election security. Then you’ve got Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who just announced he’s not running for mayor again, which is basically political code for "I’m running for Governor."
Republicans are feeling emboldened after the 2024 results. John James, who currently represents the 10th District in Congress, is the name everyone is watching. He’s run statewide before and has the name recognition that most GOP candidates in Michigan have struggled with lately.
What most people get wrong about Michigan's timeline
It’s easy to get lost in the "permanent campaign" cycle. Here’s the breakdown of how the timing actually works so you don't get caught off guard:
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- The 4-Year Cycle: Michigan governors serve four-year terms.
- Off-Year Elections: We elect them in years when there is not a presidential election (2018, 2022, 2026).
- The Term Limit: It’s a lifetime limit. Two terms and you’re done. Period.
So, while 2024 was a wild ride for Michigan politics, the governor’s seat stayed put. The 2024 results were more like a performance review for the current administration and a preview of the brawl coming in two years.
What you should actually do now
Since we aren't voting for a governor this second, the real action is happening in the state legislature and the early 2026 primary maneuvering.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the Michigan Secretary of State's campaign finance portal. That’s where the real story is. When you see someone like Mike Duggan or Mike Cox (former AG) starting to report big donations, you know the "unofficial" 2026 race has truly begun.
Also, pay attention to how the new Republican-led House interacts with Whitmer in 2025. Their ability—or inability—to pass a budget is going to be the main talking point for whoever runs for governor next.
Check your voter registration status now at the Michigan Voter Information Center. Even if the big seat isn't up, local elections and special votes pop up more often than you’d think, and being ready is better than scrambling at the last minute.