Michigan Senate GOP leader launches bid for governor
- Aric Nesbitt, the Michigan Republican Senate Minority Leader, announced his candidacy for governor, becoming the first GOP candidate in the competitive 2026 race.
- The 2026 gubernatorial race follows Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer's term limit, with multiple Democrats and Republicans considering candidacies.
- Nesbitt criticized current policies, stating, 'What we've seen is higher taxes, more spending, more debt, and fewer jobs,' and emphasized his Michigan First agenda.
- The race is expected to attract a crowded field, with other notable candidates including former State Attorney General Mike Cox and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan running as an independent.
21 Articles
21 Articles
First Republican Throws Hat In The Ring For 2026 Michigan Governor’s Race
Michigan Republican Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt announced on Tuesday that he is running for governor, becoming the first GOP candidate to enter a 2026 race that promises to be competitive. Nesbitt, 44, said in a video posted on X that “Michiganders deserve so much better than what they’re getting from these Democrats up in ...
Top lawmaker 1st Republican to launch gubernatorial campaign in race to succeed Michigan's Whitmer
Republican state Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt announced his candidacy, becoming the first major party candidate in Michigan to launch a gubernatorial campaign in the race to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Michigan Senate Republican leader enters 2026 governor's race
Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt announced his bid in a campaign video released Tuesday. Nesbitt becomes the first high-profile Republican to enter a race that's expected to be highly competitive.
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