Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, is term-limited. Whitmer is seen standing for a Fox News Digital interview on July 25, 2024 in Durham, New Hampshire. (Fox News - Paul Steinhauser)
Former GOP state Attorney General Mike Cox has formed a committee to explore a gubernatorial bid. Other Republicans believed to be considering a run include Rep. John James, former state House Speaker Tom Leonard, Oakland County businessman Kevin Rinke, 2022 GOP gubernatorial nominee Tudor Dixon, and former gubernatorial and presidential candidate Perry Johnson.
2026 BATTLE FOR THE SENATE: WHAT THE DEMOCRATS' CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE CHAIR TOLD FOX NEWS
Among the Democrats mulling a run for governor are Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Pete Buttigieg, the 2020 presidential candidate who has served as Transportation secretary in President Biden's administration the past four years, and state Sen. Mallory McMorrow.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, a Democrat, is running for governor of Michigan in 2026 as an independent. (Getty Images)
Detroit's Democratic Mayor Mike Duggan made headlines recently when he announced his 2026 gubernatorial campaign as an independent.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Michigan is a crucial general election battleground state.
President Biden carried the state by a razor-thin margin in the 2020 election. President-elect Trump narrowly won the state in November's election, but Democrats held onto a highly contested open Senate seat.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/top-lawmaker-first-republican-launch-gubernatorial-campaign-race-succeed-michigans-whitmer