Updates About Governor

Our state’s 2026 gubernatorial election is taking shape with high-profile candidates from across the political spectrum announcing their campaigns well ahead of the primary. So far, bids have been launched by a wide array of candidates, including department heads, sitting legislators, and local officials. Below is a snapshot of those who have officially declared their candidacy:

¶Declared Gubernatorial Candidates:

• John James (Republican) – U.S. Representative (Shelby Township)
• Aric Nesbitt (Republican) – Michigan Senate Minority Leader (Lawton)
• Jocelyn Benson (Democrat) – Michigan Secretary of State
• Garlin Gilchrist II (Democrat) – Michigan Lieutenant Governor
• Chris Swanson (Democrat) – Genesee County Sheriff
• Mike Duggan (Independent) – Mayor of Detroit

See Also: HILLARY SCHOLTEN OPTS FOR U.S. HOUSE REELECTION, BOWS OUT OF SENATE RACE for a list of candidates running for the open Michigan U.S. Senate seat in 2026.

The Michigan Supreme Court has declined to immediately take up a lawsuit filed by the state Senate against the House of Representatives, confirming the case will go through the normal legal process by having the Court of Appeals review it first. The ongoing dispute centers on the House’s refusal to formally present nine bills passed by the Senate during the last session, a procedural step required to send legislation to the governor.

While Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks had asked both the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court to weigh in on the matter immediately, the court said it was not persuaded to skip the usual legal process. However, it did order the Court of Appeals to expedite its review so the matter can move forward more quickly.

Related Articles: BRINKS SEEKS SUPREME COURT RULING AND MAKES SENATE RULE CHANGE IN ONGOING FIGHT OVER HOUSE BILLS • MICHIGAN HOUSE DECLINES TO SEND NINE BILLS TO GOVERNOR • SENATE DEMOCRATS FILE LAWSUIT AGAINST SPEAKER HALL

Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) and the Senate have escalated their legal battle with the House, filing appeals with both the Michigan Court of Appeals and the Michigan Supreme Court. The dispute centers on the House’s refusal to present nine bills, passed last session, to the governor. Leader Brinks is seeking an expedited ruling, arguing that withholding the bills violates the state constitution by allowing one chamber to indefinitely block legislation. In response, the Senate also adopted a rule change allowing its secretary to present House-approved bills to the governor if the House fails to do so.

House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) pushed back, stating the Michigan Constitution does not permit the current House to present bills from a prior session. He criticized Brinks’ alternative proposal that the House send the bills to the Senate for presentation, calling it unconstitutional. Meanwhile, Brinks defended the Senate’s rule change as a way to ensure legislative compliance with the court’s ruling. The legal fight continues as the courts weigh whether to intervene.

Related Articles: MICHIGAN HOUSE DECLINES TO SEND NINE BILLS TO GOVERNOR • SENATE DEMOCRATS FILE LAWSUIT AGAINST SPEAKER HALL