MICHIGAN — Michigan voters will choose a new governor in November 2026. Current Governor Gretchen Whitmer is term-limited after serving back-to-back four year stints in Lansing. We are keeping track of candidates who throw their hats in the ring below.

Ms. Benson, a Democrat, jumped into a high-profile and potentially crowded race to lead one of the country’s top battleground states.

Sen. Aric Nesbitt, who represents Michigan's 20th Congressional District, was elected into office in 2019. In 2023, Nesbitt was named the Michigan Senate's Minority Leader. He declared his candidacy for the governor position earlier this month.

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat, announced Wednesday that she is launching a campaign for governor.

Jocelyn Benson, currently Michigan's secretary of state, announced her campaign Wednesday for the state's governor in the 2026 election cycle. Current governor Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, is facing a term limit situation and therefore unable to run again for that seat.

(The Center Square) – Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has declared her bid for governor. Benson, a Democrat, is running to fill the seat currently held by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson officially joined the race for governor. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is already running as an independent and Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt is also in the race with more expected to follow considering election day is still 22 months away.

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson officially announced Wednesday morning that she will run for Governor of Michigan. Benson joins a short, but growing list of candidates that have entered the race so far,

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announces her candidacy for Michigan governor in 2026. She went one-on-one with The Pulse host Roop Raj about her plans for Michigan and message for voters.