Michigan’s 2026 Governor Race Heats Up with New Announcements
The political landscape in Michigan is already bustling with activity as three contenders have declared their intention to run for governor in 2026. However, more candidates could join the race at any moment. Leading the pack are Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, Republican Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, and Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.
Jocelyn Benson recently made waves by announcing her candidacy via social media, becoming the first Democrat in the race. Her announcement was followed by interviews and a press conference. Political analyst Matt Friedman discussed this shift in political strategy on the It’s Just Politics podcast, where Benson also shared her motivations for seeking the state’s highest office.
Benson’s campaign has already garnered significant support, with endorsements from EMILY’s List and a host of state and local officials. Notably, EMILY’s List’s endorsement solidifies her credentials on abortion rights, a crucial issue in the Democratic primary. Her supporters also include former U.S. Representative Mark Schauer, the Democratic gubernatorial nominee in 2014.
Potential Democratic challengers could include Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist and former Biden Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, while potential Republican candidates might feature former Attorney General Mike Cox, 2022 nominee Tudor Dixon, and U.S. Representative John James.
Petition Challenges Loom for Candidates
The next hurdle for gubernatorial campaigns is securing enough signatures from registered voters to qualify for the ballot. Given the 2022 debacle that derailed several GOP candidates due to petition mishaps, campaigns are expected to be extra cautious this time around. Efforts to ban pay-per-signature tactics have stalled in the Michigan Legislature.
Republican Legislation Faces Democratic Senate
The Republican-led Michigan House has passed bills to limit paid sick leave and tipped wage laws, responding to a Michigan Supreme Court ruling that found violations by Republican lawmakers in 2018. The legislation proposes a lower minimum wage for tipped workers, which Republicans argue could decrease take-home pay if tipping declines.
However, Democrats, including Representative Dylan Wegela, counter that a full wage plus tips benefits workers more than a sub-minimum wage. The bills, which also aim to reduce the scope of employers covered by the sick leave initiative, have moved to the Democrat-controlled Michigan Senate.
Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks stated, “I believe we can achieve a balance that ensures that workers have strong rights, employers are able to run their businesses, and that the spirit of the initiative petition – which received hundreds of thousands of signatures – is upheld.”
Senate Democrats Consider Legal Action
In a unique move, Michigan Senate Democrats have authorized a lawsuit against House Republicans to push for the release of bills awaiting gubernatorial action. These bills were adopted when Democrats controlled the House, and the legal dispute could set a precedent on legislative procedures.
House Republicans maintain that the judicial branch should not interfere with legislative processes, potentially leading to a significant court decision regarding the balance of power between Michigan’s legislative and executive branches.
Oversight Committee Formed by House Republicans
A new oversight committee has been established by the Michigan House Republican majority, led by Representative Jay Deboyer. The committee will scrutinize actions by Gov. Whitmer’s administration and other Democratic officials, including newly declared gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson.
Democrats express concerns over potential misuse of subpoena power, with House Minority Leader Representative Ranjeev Puri warning against politicizing the committee structure to conduct “artificial witch hunts.”
—
Read More Michigan News
