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2026 Michigan gubernatorial election
The 2026 Michigan gubernatorial election is scheduled to take place on November 3, 2026, to elect the governor of Michigan . Incumbent Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist are term-limited and are ineligible to seek a third term. This will be one of five Democratic-held governorships up for election in 2026 in a state won by Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election .
Publicly expressed interest [ edit ]
Publicly expressed interest [ edit ]
Dick DeVos , former CEO of Amway and nominee for governor in 2006 [ 7]
Pete Hoekstra , chair of the Michigan Republican Party (2024–present), former U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands (2018–2021), former U.S. representative for Michigan's 2nd congressional district (1993–2011), and nominee for U.S. Senate in 2012 [ 2]
John James , U.S. representative for Michigan's 10th congressional district (2023–present) and nominee for U.S. Senate in 2018 and 2020 [ 8] [ 2]
Perry Johnson , businessman, disqualified candidate for governor in 2022 , and candidate for president in 2024 [ 9]
Tom Leonard , former Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives (2017–2019) from the 93rd district (2013–2019), nominee for attorney general in 2018 and candidate in 2022 [ 10]
Peter Meijer , former U.S. representative for Michigan's 3rd congressional district (2021–2023) and candidate for U.S. Senate in 2024 [ 2]
Lisa McClain , U.S. representative for Michigan's 9th congressional district (2021–present)[ 2]
Candice Miller , Macomb County Public Works Commissioner (2017–present), former U.S. representative for Michigan's 10th congressional district (2003–2016), and former Michigan Secretary of State (1995–2003)[ 7]
Kevin Rinke, former car dealer and candidate for governor in 2022 [ 2]
Mike Rogers , former U.S. representative for Michigan's 8th congressional district (2001–2015) and nominee for U.S. Senate in 2024 [ 7]
Garrett Soldano, chiropractor and candidate for governor in 2022 [ 2]
^ Nissen, Jack; Skubick, Tim (September 5, 2023). "Jocelyn Benson for Michigan governor? Secretary of state says she's looking 'closely' at future run" . WJBK . Retrieved October 13, 2023 .
^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Schuster, Simon (November 11, 2024). "Has Michigan governor race begun? Duggan spurs speculation. Here's who might run" . Bridge Michigan . Retrieved November 14, 2024 .
^ Fonger, Ron (August 2, 2023). "Governor Swanson? Genesee County sheriff says a statewide run could be in his future" . MLive Media Group . Retrieved October 13, 2023 .
^ a b Roth, Andrew (February 20, 2024). "Swanson 'absolutely' foresees 2026 bid for governor, while Kildee rules out run" . Michigan Advance . Retrieved February 20, 2024 .
^ Afana, Dana (November 13, 2024). "Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan won't run for 4th term, keeps plans for future secret" . Detroit Free Press . Retrieved November 13, 2024 .
^ Skubick, Tim (August 14, 2024). "Republican Tudor Dixon not ruling out running for governor in 2026 race" . WJBK . Retrieved September 18, 2024 .
^ a b c Skubick, Tim (November 8, 2024). "The next Michigan governor - there's no shortage of contenders, says Lansing insider" . WJBK . Retrieved November 14, 2024 .
^ Gibbons, Lauren (May 30, 2024). "Michigan governor run? Duggan, Benson, Gilchrist spur speculation" . Bridge Michigan . Retrieved June 10, 2024 .
^ Skubick, Tim; Komer, David (October 2, 2023). "Businessman Perry Johnson says he's being asked to run for Stabenow's US Senate seat" . FOX 2 Detroit . Retrieved October 13, 2023 .
^ Nir, David; Singer, Jeff (November 15, 2024). "Morning Digest: It's game on for one of the biggest races of 2026" . The Downballot . Retrieved November 15, 2024 .