Swanson, Benson Submit Petitions for Contested Michigan Gubernatorial Primary
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson submit petition signatures for contested Democratic governor primary in August
Underdog Sheriff Takes Shot at Democratic Nomination Against Secretary of State
LANSING — Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson turned in more than 26,000 petition signatures on Friday to secure his place on the primary ballot for Michigan governor, vowing the upcoming race would not be "a coronation for anybody."
Swanson of Fenton Township faces Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson of Detroit for the Democratic nomination in the Aug. 4 primary. Benson's campaign had already submitted about 30,000 petition signatures on Thursday.
Petition Deadline Looms
The Michigan Bureau of Elections staff will determine whether both candidates have gathered enough valid signatures. The deadline to submit petitions is Tuesday.
Swanson told reporters he believes he cleared the petition hurdle and is not withdrawing his campaign.
"I'm not dropping out," Swanson said. "I'm not a lieutenant governor. I'm not going to withdraw. I've got the petitions."
Benson's campaign released a statement after submitting her signatures.
"After over a year on the campaign trail, Jocelyn is building a strong, people-powered coalition across the state to win in November just as she has done in her past two statewide victories," Benson's campaign said.
Underdog in Democratic Field
Benson, who has won two statewide elections and is a well-known political figure in Michigan, has held significant leads over Swanson in fundraising and early polling.
Swanson is popular in Genesee County but remains lesser known elsewhere in Michigan. He launched his gubernatorial campaign in February 2025 and gained national attention during a speech at the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
Looking for Working Class Support
Swanson told reporters Friday that his path to victory in the August 4 primary runs through the working class. He has already received an endorsement from Michigan's International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
He is hoping to win the backing of the United Auto Workers union, which has not yet weighed in on the governor race.
Campaign Energy vs. Establishment Politics
Swanson said he will bring "a new energy" and "a new excitement" for Democrats. He told reporters he wants something different than the establishment candidate.
"I think the whole country is looking for something that is different than the establishment candidate who has talking points," Swanson said. "They want to see actions."
Swanson gained early prominence in 2020 during the George Floyd protests. When a group of protesters approached Swanson and his deputies in Flint, he set aside his protective gear and walked with the protesters. Flint is a majority-minority city where nearly 57% of the population is Black.
Michigan Gubernatorial Race Shape-Ups
Declared candidates for Michigan governor include:
- Democrats: Jocelyn Benson, Marni Sawicki, Kevin Hogan and Chris Swanson
- Republicans: U.S. Rep. John James, Anthony Hudson, Karla Wagner and State Sen.
The Michigan gubernatorial primary will determine the Democratic nominee who will challenge Republican candidates in November.
Sources
Detroit News: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2026/04/17/chris-swanson-jocelyn-benson-petitions-contested-democratic-governor-primary/89662574007/
Sources
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