| Elections in Michigan |
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The 2026 Michigan gubernatorial election is scheduled to take place on November 3, 2026, to elect the governor of Michigan. Incumbent Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer is term-limited and ineligible to seek a third term.
Democratic primary
Candidates
Publicly expressed interest
- Jocelyn Benson, Michigan Secretary of State (2019–present)[1]
- Chris Swanson, Genesee County Sheriff (2020–present)[2]
Potential
- Winnie Brinks, Majority Leader of the Michigan Senate (2023–present) from the 29th district (2019–present)[3]
- Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Secretary of Transportation (2021–present)[3]
- Mike Duggan, mayor of Detroit (2014–present)[4]
- Garlin Gilchrist, Lieutenant Governor of Michigan (2019–present)[4]
- Mallory McMorrow, state senator from the 8th district (2019–present)[5]
Declined
- Dan Kildee, U.S. representative for Michigan's 8th congressional district (2013–present)[3]
Republican primary
Candidates
Potential
- Tudor Dixon, conservative media personality and nominee for governor of Michigan in 2022[3]
- Perry Johnson, businessman, disqualified candidate for Governor of Michigan in 2022, and former candidate for President of the United States in 2024[6]
- Kevin Rinke, businessman and candidate for governor of Michigan in 2022[3]
References
- ^ Nissen, Jack; Skubick, Tim (September 5, 2023). "Jocelyn Benson for Michigan governor? Secretary of state says she's looking 'closely' at future run". FOX 2 Detroit. Retrieved October 13, 2023.
- ^ Fonger, Ron (August 2, 2023). "Governor Swanson? Genesee County sheriff says a statewide run could be in his future". mlive. Retrieved October 13, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e Roth, Andrew (February 20, 2024). "Swanson 'absolutely' foresees 2026 bid for governor, while Kildee rules out run ⋆ Michigan Advance". Michigan Advance. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
- ^ a b Schneider, Elena (March 5, 2023). "Ambitions collide as rising Democrats consider higher office". Politico. Retrieved April 20, 2023.
- ^ Nissen, Jack; Skubick, Tim (May 30, 2023). "Scoop: Michigan lawmaker Mallory McMorrow considering run for governor". FOX 2 Detroit. Retrieved June 2, 2023.
- ^ Skubick, Tim; Komer, David (October 2, 2023). "Businessman Perry Johnson says he's being asked to run for Stabenow's US Senate seat". FOX 2 Detroit. Retrieved October 13, 2023.