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.

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.

Senator Aric Nesbitt, a Republican who represents Michigan's 20th Senate District, was born and raised in Porter Township. He was the second to announce his campaign, following behind Detroit Mayor and longtime Democrat Mike Duggan, who elected to run as an independent in the race.

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.

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.

State Senator Aric Nesbitt, a Republican from Lawton, has announced his campaign​ for the Michigan governor's race.

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.

Aric Nesbitt, the Republican Senate Leader has a long career in GOP politics. He launched his bid for Michigan governor Tuesday.