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 is term-limited and ineligible to seek a third term.

Democratic primary

Candidates

Publicly expressed interest

• Jocelyn Benson, Michigan Secretary of State (2019–present)
• Chris Swanson, Genesee County Sheriff (2020–present)

Potential

• Winnie Brinks, Majority Leader of the Michigan Senate (2023–present) from the 29th district (2019–present)
• Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Secretary of Transportation (2021–present)
• Mike Duggan, mayor of Detroit (2014–present)
• Garlin Gilchrist, Lieutenant Governor of Michigan (2019–present)
• Mallory McMorrow, state senator from the 8th district (2019–present)

Declined

• Dan Kildee, U.S. representative for Michigan's 8th congressional district (2013–present)

Republican primary

Candidates

Potential

• Tudor Dixon, conservative media personality and nominee for governor of Michigan in 2022
• Perry Johnson, businessman, disqualified candidate for Governor of Michigan in 2022, and former candidate for President of the United States in 2024
• Kevin Rinke, businessman and candidate for governor of Michigan in 2022

References