While there’s still over a year and a half until the state’s gubernatorial election on Nov. 3, 2026, many big names have already declared their candidacy for the Governor of Michigan. There are six candidates so far to replace incumbent Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who will depart the role at the end of 2026 after reaching her term limit.

Here’s a look at those who have already declared their candidacy as of Mar. 12, 2025: 

1. Jocelyn Benson - Democrat
   1. The current Secretary of State of Michigan announced her candidacy on Jan. 22. She has been in the Secretary position since 2019 and also served previously as the Dean of Wayne State University Law school. Benson is known for putting an emphasis on electoral integrity as well as improving the state’s education system. (More on Benson HERE)
2. Mike Duggan – Independent
   1. As the former Wayne County prosecutor, Duggan has been the Mayor of Detroit since 2014. He announced his decision to run on Dec. 4, 2024, in hopes to create a non-partisan approach to help the state. He is known for putting an emphasis on reducing violent crime and growing the state’s population. (More on Duggan HERE)
3. Garlin Gilchrist II - Democrat
   1. The Detroit native has served as Lieutenant Governor under Whitmer for the last two terms. As a former software engineer for Microsoft, Gilchrist II was the City of Detroit’s Director of Innovation for a year and a half. He is known for putting an emphasis on technology and innovation to create more 21^st-century jobs and lower housing costs. (More on Gilchrist HERE)
4. Anthony Hudson – Republican
   1. Originally from Texas, Hudson is a U.S. Army veteran that has lived in Michigan since 2012. He has been a truck driver for over 20 years and previously ran for Michigan’s District 8 seat for in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2024. Hudson is known for putting an emphasis on eliminating state taxes and bringing power back to local counties. (More on Hudson HERE)
5. Aric Nesbitt – Republican
   1. The Hillsdale College graduate and family farmer has served time in the Senate and House of Representatives on behalf of Michigan. He has been the Senate minority leader in Lansing for the past two year and has also served on many committees for commerce, energy, and taxes. He is known for putting an emphasis on state manufacturing measures and fighting against sanctuary cities. (More on Nesbitt HERE)
6. Chris Swanson – Democrat 
   1. Known for joining Black Lives Matter protestors in Flint five years ago, Swanson announced his candidacy on Feb. 6, 2025. He has been the Genesee County Sheriff since 2020 and has been a public motivational speaker in Southeast Michigan. Swanson is known for creating programs to combat human trafficking and pushing economic prominence in the state. (More on Swanson HERE)

Some other notable figures have been mentioned as possible candidates but have not yet officially declared, including:

1. Pete Buttigieg, Democrat, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation
2. Mike Cox, Republican, former Michigan Attorney General
3. Tudor Dixon, Republican, 2022 GOP Gubernatorial nominee
4. John James, Republican, U.S. Representative for Michigan’s 10th District
5. Kevin Rinke, Republican, 2022 GOP candidate
6. Marni Sawicki, Democrat, former Mayor of Cape Coral, Florida

The primary election is set for Aug. 4, 2026, with the general election two months later on Nov. 3.