Who Is Running for Michigan Governor
Democrat Jocelyn Benson and Republican John James are running for Michigan governor on November 3, 2026. Governor Gretchen Whitmer is term-limited, so the seat is open. Voters pick a governor and lieutenant governor as a pair. Each party chooses its lieutenant governor at a convention, not in a primary (Ballotpedia; Michigan Constitution, Art. V, sec. 21).
Key facts
- The general election is November 3, 2026, with early voting from October 24, 2026 (Michigan Department of State).
- Jocelyn Benson won the Democratic primary with about 83% on August 4, 2026.
- John James won the Republican primary with about 50%.
- All 38 Senate seats and 110 House seats are on the same ballot.
Jocelyn Benson is Michigan’s secretary of state, the official who runs its elections. Her running mate is Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, nominated at the Democratic convention on August 29, 2026 (Ballotpedia).
Candidates for Michigan governor on the November 3, 2026 ballot
Source: Ballotpedia, Michigan gubernatorial election, 2026, as of 2026-10-14. Evan Space is a write-in candidate. Independent Mike Duggan withdrew.
Michigan Governor Primary Results
Jocelyn Benson won the Democratic primary with about 83% of the vote, and John James won the Republican primary with about 50%. Benson beat Chris Swanson, and James finished ahead of Perry Johnson (WDIV). Two Republicans, Mike Cox and Aric Nesbitt, stayed on the ballot after ending their campaigns.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| John James | 50% |
| Perry Johnson | 35% |
| Mike Cox | 13% |
| Aric Nesbitt | 2% |
Source: Ballotpedia, rounded to whole points.
More votes were counted in the Democratic primary than the Republican one. Ballotpedia’s count shows about 1.1 million Democratic votes and about 780,000 Republican votes. Our primary elections guide explains how each state runs its primaries.
Why Whitmer Cannot Run
The Michigan Constitution says no one may be elected more than two times as governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state or attorney general (Art. V, sec. 30). Whitmer won in 2018 and 2022, and Attorney General Dana Nessel and Secretary of State Benson were elected the same two years. So every statewide executive office on the 2026 ballot is open.
Each new officeholder starts at noon on January 1, 2027 (Art. XI, sec. 2). Control of the Legislature is split. Democrats hold the Senate 20 to 18, and Republicans hold the House 58 to 52, according to Ballotpedia. Both chambers are on the same ballot as the governor.
What the Michigan Governor Can Do
Michigan’s governor runs the executive branch, signs or vetoes every bill, and can strike single items from the budget. A veto stands unless two-thirds of the members serving in each chamber vote to override it. Neither party holds two-thirds of either chamber today (Art. IV, sec. 33).
Powers of the Michigan governor
Source: Michigan Constitution of 1963, Articles IV and V
How to Vote for Governor
Michigan lets you register in person through Election Day, and early voting runs nine days. After October 19, you register at your city or township clerk’s office with proof of residency (Michigan Department of State).
Michigan's 2026 governor election, step by step
- October 19, 2026 Last day to register online or by mail After this, register in person at your local clerk's office with proof of residency.
- October 24, 2026 to November 1, 2026 Early in-person voting The state constitution sets this nine-day early voting period.
- November 3, 2026 Election Day If you are in line by 8 p.m., you can still register and vote.
- January 1, 2027 New governor takes office The four-year term begins at noon.
Our 2026 governor races guide covers all 36 races, and our midterm elections explainer covers Michigan’s U.S. Senate race and the rest of the November 3 ballot.
Michigan Governor Questions
Who is running for governor of Michigan in 2026?
Democrat Jocelyn Benson and Republican John James are the major-party nominees. Douglas Campbell (Green), Anthony Hudson (Libertarian), Donna Brandenburg (U.S. Taxpayers) are also on the November 3, 2026 ballot.
Can Gretchen Whitmer run for governor again?
No. The Michigan Constitution says no one may be elected governor more than two times. Whitmer won in 2018 and 2022.
Who won the Michigan governor primaries?
On August 4, 2026, Jocelyn Benson won the Democratic primary with about 83% of the vote, over Chris Swanson. John James won the Republican primary with about 50%, ahead of Perry Johnson.
When does the new Michigan governor take office?
At noon on January 1, 2027. The Michigan Constitution starts the terms of state officers on January 1 after their election.
Can I register to vote on Election Day in Michigan?
Yes. From October 20 through Election Day, you can register in person at your city or township clerk’s office with proof of residency. If you are in line by 8 p.m. on November 3, you can still register and vote.
What You Can Do
- Check your registration and polling place at Michigan.gov/Vote before November 3.
- Vote early between October 24, 2026 and November 1, 2026 if Election Day is hard for you.
- Read both nominees’ platforms on their campaign sites before you decide.
- Look up your state senator and representative. Every legislative seat is on the ballot, and they decide whether a veto stands.
- Compare the issues on the line in Michigan: the minimum wage, abortion laws and marijuana laws.