Governor · Michigan

Incumbent: Gretchen Whitmer (Democratic) · Term-limited
General election Tuesday, Nov 3, 2026

Write-ins: Michigan counts write-in votes only for people who file a Declaration of Intent with the proper filing official by 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026 (MCL 168.737a; Michigan Bureau of Elections 2026 election calendar). The state's list of declared write-in candidates is prepared after that deadline, so none are listed here yet.

Candidates checked against the official list: state election office source. Candidate list compiled from the Wikipedia race page and the sources on each profile. Check your official sample ballot before voting.

Where they stand: Benson vs. James

BensonNo public position foundJames
Benson
James
Benson

1 more on profile →

JamesNo public position found
BensonNo public position foundJames
Benson
JamesNo public position found
Benson
JamesNo public position found
Benson
JamesNo public position found
Data centers
Benson
We have to put guardrails in place to protect local voices
Original: WXYZ, Oct 2026 (accessed Oct 2026)
Second Michigan governor debate, WDIV, Oct 15, 2026.
JamesNo public position found
Cost of living
Benson
My plan will actually ensure that we are working with you to drive down the cost of healthcare and invest in clean energy infrastructure to reduce the cost of energy
Original: WXYZ, Oct 2026 (accessed Oct 2026)
Second Michigan governor debate, WDIV, Oct 15, 2026.
James
There's no reason Indiana and Ohio should have double-digit lower energy rates than us
Original: WXYZ, Oct 2026 (accessed Oct 2026)
Second Michigan governor debate, WDIV, Oct 15, 2026.

Other candidates on the ballot

Donna Brandenburg (U.S. Taxpayers)

Douglas Campbell (Green)

2 more positions on profile →

Anthony Hudson (Libertarian)

John James: key votes as U.S. Representative

No congressional voting record for: Jocelyn Benson, Donna Brandenburg, Douglas Campbell, Anthony Hudson. State legislative or local records are not yet compiled.

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