The Race That Redefines Michigan's Future
Michigan's 2026 gubernatorial election is shaping into one of the most crowded races in recent memory, with six candidates vying to succeed term-limited Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The primary election is set for August 4, 2026, with the general election on November 3.
For Grand Rapids voters, the race matters. Kent County is a swing district that has decided close state elections in recent years. The outcome will determine which party controls the governor's mansion and influences policy on taxes, education, and government structure for the next four years.
Democratic Field: Two Candidates
The Democratic primary features two candidates, both with law enforcement or government backgrounds.
Jocelyn Benson, Michigan's Secretary of State since 2018, was the first Democrat to announce her candidacy. According to her campaign, Benson has focused on modernizing the Secretary of State's office during her tenure. She doubled the number of services available online, installed more than 100 self-service stations across the state, and launched mobile offices to reach residents who could not easily access government services.
Benson told Local 4's Jason Colthorp in a January 22, 2025 interview that she decided to run for governor to improve the state's education system.
Chris Swanson, Genesee County Sheriff since 2019, entered the race as the second Democratic candidate. Swanson helped create the Genesee Human Oppression Strike Team (GHOST) in 2019, a unit focused on arresting criminals involved in human trafficking and sexual assault. He also launched IGNITE, a program that helps inmates develop employment and academic skills while in jail.
Swanson gained national attention in 2020 when he joined Black Lives Matter protesters in Flint following the killing of George Floyd.
Republican Field: Four Candidates
The Republican primary features four candidates, each proposing significant changes to state government.
Rep. John James, R-Mich., represents Michigan's 10th Congressional District. He announced his run on April 7, 2025. If elected, James would be the first Black governor of Michigan.
James listed eliminating income tax, increasing teacher pay, defending parents' rights, and promoting "open, accountable government that earns trust" as his priorities.
"Our state has suffered long enough," James said. "Michigan is strong. Our people are strong. But we are being held back by a lack of strong, competent leadership -- leadership with real-world experience in the areas Michiganders need most."
State Sen. Aric Nesbitt, R-Lawton, is the Michigan Senate Republican Leader. He represents the 20th Senate District, which includes portions of Berrien, Van Buren, Allegan, and Kent counties. Nesbitt's district overlaps with Grand Rapids' political geography.
Nesbitt, a Hillsdale College graduate with a master's in international business, said his campaign aims to "Make Michigan Great Once Again." He argued that conservative leadership is needed to restore state government in a way that prioritizes Michigan families and workers.
Mike Cox, who served as Michigan Attorney General from 2003 to 2011, is running as a Republican. Cox was the first Republican to hold that office in approximately 50 years.
Cox's platform includes eliminating state income tax, restoring Right to Work provisions, ending DEI mandates in government and schools, and cutting spending through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
"Michigan is getting weaker, poorer, and less free under Gretchen Whitmer," Cox said. "While she grows the government, families are crushed by taxes, regulations, and woke priorities. Too many of our children are leaving. Enough is enough. I'm running to fight for Michigan families. I will eliminate the income tax—what I call the tax on work—restore Right to Work, and return power to Michigan's workers, families, and small businesses."
Perry Johnson, an Oakland County businessman, is running a third time for major statewide office. Johnson previously ran for governor in 2022, but the state election bureau ruled he did not submit enough valid signatures on his nominating petitions. He also ran for president in 2024.
Johnson's campaign website says he plans to eliminate Michigan's income tax, end wasteful spending in state government, and demand accountability for every tax dollar.
What the Race Means for Grand Rapids
The 2026 gubernatorial race will be decided in Michigan's suburban and swing counties. Grand Rapids sits in the heart of West Michigan, a region that has voted for both parties in recent statewide elections.
All four Republican candidates have proposed eliminating the state income tax, a policy shift that would fundamentally alter how Michigan funds state services. The Democratic candidates have not yet outlined a comprehensive tax platform, with Benson focusing on education reform.
The primary election on August 4 will determine which candidates advance to the November general election. With Whitmer unable to run for re-election, the next governor will set the direction of Michigan policy for the next four years.