Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson Announces Bid for Michigan Governor

Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson announced his candidacy to be the next governor of Michigan on Thursday in Flint

Swanson, a Democrat, made his announcement at Mott Community College Thursday evening, joined by family and supporters at the college's event center

His announcement comes just over two weeks after Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced her candidacy for governor. Both are seeking to succeed term-limited incumbent Governor Gretchen Whitmer

Swanson taking a selfie with supporters following his gubernatorial campaign announcement in Flint, Michigan

The Democratic primary for Michigan's 2026 gubernatorial election is set to be held in August of next year, with the winner of that contest advancing to the general election on November 3rd, 2026

Other declared candidates in the gubernatorial race at this time include Republican Aric Nesbitt, who is currently the Michigan Senate minority leader, and former Democrat Mike Duggan, the current mayor of Detroit who announced an independent run for governor in early December 2024

Watch video of Swanson’s gubernatorial campaign announcement here: