Rebandt challenges signature sampling method in state appeals court
Ralph Rebandt, a Kalamazoo pastor and Republican candidate for Michigan governor, filed a lawsuit Monday challenging his removal from the August primary ballot.
Rebandt is asking the Michigan Court of Appeals to overturn the decision by the Board of State Canvassers that disqualified him last week for failing to provide enough valid petition signatures. The board voted unanimously on May 28 to accept a recommendation from the Bureau of Elections to remove Rebandt from the ballot.
"This is another example of what is wrong with government — unelected bureaucrats overriding your elected representatives," Rebandt said.
The signature dispute
Rebandt submitted more than 18,000 signatures on his nominating petitions. The Bureau of Elections used a sampling method to verify those signatures and determined they did not meet the legal threshold.
Rebandt claims the sampling process has no legal basis. He argues that a 2025 law that would have continued signature sampling was never signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. According to Rebandt, that means the sampling procedure itself is invalid.
The lawsuit was filed against the Michigan Board of State Canvassers and targets the Bureau of Elections' verification methodology.
Two candidates removed
Rebandt was not the only gubernatorial candidate disqualified. Kim Thomas, a Democrat and former federal auditor, also failed to meet the valid signature requirements and was removed from the ballot by the same board vote.
Both candidates trailed their primary opponents in fundraising and polling. Two other Republican candidates, U.S. Rep. John James and Perry Johnson, survived their petition signature challenges.
What happens next
The Michigan primary election is scheduled for August 4, 2026. Rebandt's Court of Appeals case will determine whether he can still appear on the ballot for Kalamazoo voters and Michiganders across the state.
The current Republican gubernatorial field includes former Attorney General Mike Cox and other candidates who met signature requirements. The Democratic field remains headed by Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.
Rebandt previously ran for governor in 2022. He is a pastor from Kalamazoo and has built his campaign around anti-establishment messaging.
"I'll keep fighting Jocelyn Benson and unelected bureaucrats to get on this ballot," Rebandt said.
The outcome of Rebandt's appeal could set a precedent for how Michigan handles petition signature disputes in future elections.