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.

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat who lives in Detroit, announced Wednesday that she's running for governor. The big picture: Benson is the second local candidate to throw their hat into the 2026 governor's race after Mayor Mike Duggan left the Democratic party to run as an independent.

Duggan announced in late 2024 that he would not seek re-election as mayor in 2025 and would instead seek the top job in 2026.

Michigan's Democratic secretary of state, Jocelyn Benson, has announced her candidacy for governor in the 2026 election, hoping to take over from Gretchen Whitmer. Her entrance comes as Democrats navigate significant losses after President Trump secured Michigan in the November election.

In December, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan surprised many by announcing his departure from the Democratic Party to run for governor as an independent. Democrats have yet for a top candidate to enter the race, but those weighing runs include Secretary of State ...

Michigan's Democratic secretary of state announced Wednesday that she is running to succeed Gretchen Whitmer as governor in 2026, as the party tries to find its footing after November's significant losses in the battleground state.

LANSING — Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson made her campaign for Michigan governor official Wednesday, kicking off what is already a hotly contested 2026 campaign. Benson’s campaign is so far light on specifics, but she has said she’ll prioritize reproductive rights, government transparency and investing in new state industries.

Michigan's Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announces her candidacy for governor in a bid to replace Gretchen Whitmer.

Republican state Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt on Tuesday announced his candidacy, becoming the first major party candidate to launch ... Mallory McMorrow. Detroit's Democratic Mayor Mike Duggan made headlines recently when he announced his 2026 ...

Jocelyn Benson, 47, of Detroit, said she wants to be known as "the governor who puts transparency and efficiency at the forefront."

Thursday marked the second day of closing arguments in the speaker’s landmark racketeering and bribery trial, as prosecutors continued detailing the five corruption schemes Madigan allegedly orchestrated.

The race to become Michigan’s 50th governor is already heating up, almost two years before a single vote is cast.