Governor / Lt. Governor
Source: mvic.sos.state.mi.us
What does this office do?
- Signing or vetoing bills that become state law
- Proposing the state budget for schools, roads, and health care
- Picking who leads state agencies
Affects: AI Regulation, Healthcare Affordability, Environment and Public Health,
Candidates:
Aric Nesbitt
Did not advanceRepublican
Aric Nesbitt grew up as the middle child on a six-generation family farm in West Michigan and earned an economics degree from Hillsdale College and a master's in international business. Elected in 2010, he served three terms in the state House.
Records: Environment and Public Health 1 for, 4 against, Public Education Quality 5 for, Anti-Corruption 2 for, 1 against,
Christopher Robert Swanson
Did not advanceDemocratic
Christopher Robert Swanson is a Democratic candidate for Governor of Michigan in the August 4, 2026 primary. The Michigan Bureau of Elections official candidate listing shows Swanson filed for Governor as a Democratic candidate on April 17, 2026. His campaign site identifies him as the Sheriff of Genesee County, says he grew up in Grand Blanc, and describes his public-safety and service career as the basis for his gubernatorial campaign.
Records: Public Safety and Crime Control 6 for, Criminal Justice and Civil Liberties 2 for, Social Programs and Welfare 2 for,
Jocelyn Benson
AdvancedDemocratic
Michigan's secretary of state since 2019 and a former Wayne State University law school dean. She would focus on affordable housing and health care, lower electricity costs, and cleaner state government.
Records: Government Efficiency 12 for, Civil Rights 9 for, Anti-Corruption 6 for,
John James
AdvancedRepublican
An Army combat veteran and former business executive who has served in Congress since 2023. He would work to phase out Michigan's income tax and to expand school choice and government transparency.
Records: Social Programs and Welfare 3 for, 2 against, Public Safety and Crime Control 4 for, Civil Rights 3 against,
Mike Cox
Did not advanceRepublican
Mike Cox is the founder of The Mike Cox Law Firm, a former Marine Corps infantryman and a former Michigan Attorney General with 35 years of experience as a trial attorney. Before being elected Attorney General twice, he served as a Wayne County prosecutor.
Records: Civil Rights 3 against, Social Programs and Welfare 3 for, Corporate Accountability 2 for,
Perry Johnson
Did not advanceRepublican
Perry Johnson is a self-made businessman and problem solver who has spent decades helping companies succeed, and says he helped save the American auto industry.
Records: Corporate Accountability 1 against
Sources: mi-boe.entellitrak.com · michigan.gov