A Republican has entered the race for Michigan governor. The current Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt is looking to succeed Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Nesbitt grew up on a six-generation dairy and grape farm.

LANSING — State Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt is running for governor. Nesbitt is the first well-known Republican to enter the race to succeed Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who will be term-limited in 2026. He announced his campaign in a video posted on social media Tuesday.

Michigan’s top Republican leader in the state Senate announced Tuesday a candidacy for governor, becoming the first high-profile Republican to enter the race to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Aric Nesbitt has announced his campaign for Michigan governor, entering a 2026 race that is expected to be competitive as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ends her time in that office. Nesbitt, a Republican from Lawton,

State Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt announced Tuesday that he is seeking the Republican nomination for governor on the 2026 ballot. Rick Pluta reports.

A West Michigan state lawmaker is in the running to be the Republican nominee for governor. Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt R-Porter Township, said he’s getting into the race early in the hopes of building statewide name recognition.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants a fresh start with President-elect Donald Trump — but also warns that she won't back down over tariffs that she believes would hurt the auto industry in her state.

In a video announcement Tuesday morning, Michigan Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (R-Porter Twp.) officially became the first Republican candidate to throw his hat into the ring for Michigan governor in 2026.