Updates About Governor

Governor Whitmer has declared May 11–17, 2025, as Women’s Health Week in Michigan, highlighting the state’s recent efforts to protect access to reproductive health care and improve overall health outcomes for women and girls. The proclamation encourages community members and health professionals to engage in initiatives that support women’s health and well-being, from prenatal care to menopause and beyond. It also underscores the critical role Medicaid plays in maternal health, covering nearly half of all births in Michigan.

Check out the Governor’s entire proclamation on Women’s Health Week here.

The Michigan Senate Appropriations Health and Human Services Subcommittee advanced its version of the FY 2026 DHHS budget last week at $39.31 billion, coming in slightly higher than the Governor’s proposed $39.15 billion recommendation. Chair Sylvia Santana’s (D-Detroit) objectives include improving health outcomes for families while protecting essential services and preparing for potential decreases in federal Medicaid support.

Key Senate additions include $58 million for expanding Flint’s Rx Kids program, $13 million for water affordability initiatives, and $10 million for reproductive health access grants. The Senate also proposed smaller increases to Medicaid eligibility than Whitmer’s plan. The budget did not include funding for building a state psychiatric hospital in Northville or for health care services for incarcerated individuals prior to release. It also failed to include several items funded by opioid settlement dollars that were proposed in the Governor’s executive recommendation. However, the Senate added funding in areas such as permanent supportive housing, reproductive health access grants, children’s advocacy centers, non-clinical direct care worker pay, and medical debt relief.

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.